The Life And Death Of John Vincent

Earthen Vessel 1880:

Death Of John Vincent

From the venerable deacon of Love-lane Baptist Church, in the town of Spalding, in Lincolnshire (Mr. George Coles), we have received the following melancholy note:—

“MY VERY DEAR FRIEND, MR. BANKS,—I am sorry to inform you of Mr. John Vincent’s death. He preached twice on last Lord’s-day, was taken ill on Monday morning, and died this morning, at three o’clock, September 15, 1880. We have lost our pastor, and the chief supporter of Love-lane Chapel. May the Lord incline some good man to come to feed the people with the true bread of life. I shall be glad to hear from you; I hope you will not forget us. I am getting almost past writing. May the good Lord be with you to your journey’s end.

“Your old friend and brother,

“GEORGE COLES

“Spalding, September l3.”

This is a calamity indeed! Every day, nearly, our Churches are falling into trouble, on account of pastors either declining, retiring, or going home. Lincolnshire, with its 100,000 people, has scarcely one flourishing Church of truth in the whole county. Old Love-lane cause is not registered in the “hand-book,” but it has been one of the gardens of grace for a very long period. Some years since, a merciful Providence enabled us to help in restoring the chapel, and in obtaining for them Mr. John Vincent as their pastor; and he has been a faithful friend to the cause for about ten years. The Lord only knoweth what now can be done. We may give further particulars presently.

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“DEAR MR. EDITOR,—You will be surprised to hear that the well-favoured and hearty-looking John Vincent, of Spalding, has been suddenly called home. He preached a touching sermon last Sunday night from the words of Paul, 2 Cor. 13:14, and on Monday was seized with apoplexy, and died at three o’clock on Wednesday morning. I am, God willing, to bury him to-morrow.

“Anniversary services were to have been held in his chapel on Sunday and Monday next, instead of which we are called to mourn the loss of a worthy brother.

“You will, no doubt, be supplied with further particulars. With best wishes,

“I am, dear Mr. Editor,

“Yours in affliction,

S. COZENS

“Sutton Ely, September 17.”

MR. JOHN VINCENT’S FUNERAL took place on Saturday, September 18, 1880. Mr. Samuel Cozens officiated both in the chapel and in the cemetery. Of the sudden and solemn event, we shall (n.v.) have more particulars presently.