The Life And Testimony Of William Sharp Jr

Gospel Standard 1882:

Death. On April 25th, 1882, aged 77, William Sharp, eldest son of the late William Sharp, minister at Brighton.

When a lad of 14 years of age he was apprenticed to a grocer in London. At that time his father wrote him a letter of advice for his future observance, containing this remark: “My son, you are placed in a large town wherein are many temptations. But bear in mind that in this world the soul is formed for eternity.” This remark weighed upon his mind and led him to ponder his steps well. At length serious impressions arrested him. He was obliged to attend the same place of worship as his master; but he found the ministry there did not meet the exercises of his mind, and at every opportunity he went to hear Mr. Fowler, of Gower Street. Here the Lord was pleased to meet with him, and convince him of his real need of a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In time the Lord graciously revealed himself to him, to the joy of his heart, by sealing pardon and peace to his soul. With this testimony he waded through many years of difficulties and trials.

Towards the end of his life he was afflicted with five serious diseases at one time, which brought him to his end. About a mouth previous to his death I visited him, and asked him to tell me, now he was so nearly approaching his end, what result his father’s remark before mentioned had produced upon him. He looked up solemnly, and replied, “I do not wish to boast, nor to say anything but what is true. But I can say there is not a cloud nor a bar between me and God. He condescends to commune with me, and permits me to commune with him. He has washed me. He has sanctified me. And now I do not fear to die; for death has lost its sting.” And he lifted up his withered hand, saying, “’O death, where is thy sting?’ It is lost for ever in the heart of Christ.” I reminded him that a bee that had stung one person could never sting another, although it would retain its formidable appearance. And the person stung by it could say, “Don’t fear it; it has stung me, therefore, it cannot hurt you.” He answered, “No. Death stung the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore it has lost its sting in him. Now death is only a shadow to all those for whom Christ died.”

I visited him several times after this, and found him in the same peaceable state of mind. On the day previous to his death he said to me, “I have perfect peace, which the world can neither give nor take away, nor know anything of.” These were the last words he uttered of any importance. Thus died my brother in the sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection to eternal life.

Cornelius Sharp

William Sharp Jr.

William Sharp Jr. (1805-1882) was a Strict and Particular Baptist believer. He was the eldest son of gospel minister, William Sharp, Brighton. After moving to a large city in early adulthood, he received a message from his father, warning him of the temptations in such a place and cautioning him to take seriously his soul. He was eventually led by the hand of God to the gospel ministry of Henry Fowler, under whose preaching the Lord was pleased to apply the saving grace of Christ.