The Life And Ministry Of William Freeman

Gospel Standard 1871:

Death. On Oct. 11th, of bronchitis, after five days’ illness, at Brighton, Mr. William Freeman, minister of the gospel, aged 57.

He had been preaching for five consecutive days before he was taken ill, though he always had bronchitic symptoms. He was engaged to supply at Galeed, Brighton, Oct. 1st and 8th, and on the morning of Oct. 1st preached what is called a funeral sermon, from Rev. 14:13, for our friend, Mr. Joseph Banfield. In the evening he preached from Jn. 6:56, 57, and administered the Lord’s supper. Many of the friends felt it good to be there.

On Monday evening he preached from Ps. 119:107; and again many of the friends felt it to be a good time. He seemed to be truly in the Spirit. On the following Tuesday evening he preached at Skayne’s Hill, on Wednesday at Handcross anniversary, and on Thursday evening at Ripe, where it appears he took cold, and on his return to Mrs. Grace’s, at Brighton, on Friday, was seized with cold shivers, and became somewhat delirious. Then followed a heavy attack of bronchitis, from which he never rallied, but gradually sank, and died at Mrs. Grace’s, on Wednesday, the 11th.

He was blessed with sweet peace in his soul all through his illness, and said it was the sweetest affliction he ever had.

To a friend who was with him on Sunday morning (8th) and about to leave for the chapel, he said, “I have had a sweet time with the Lord this morning. Give my love to the friends, and tell them ‘I feel as full of peace as I can hold.’ Good-bye. May the Lord bless you.”

In the evening he spoke of feeling restless, and then referred the friend to the blessing he had had in the morning.

On Monday, the 9th, he spoke of the disappointment it was to him being unable to attend the anniversary at Ebenezer Chapel, Tunbridge, which was to take place the following day, where he had hoped to meet several of his brother ministers. A friend said to him, “You have fought the good fight together.” He replied, “Yes, shoulder to shoulder.” The same day Mr. Littleton called to see him, and remained with him as long as he could. He then seemed to be in a sweet state of mind.

The final change appeared to take place about 11 o’clock, A.M., on the 10th. Mrs. Freeman, who had arrived on the 6th, went down for Mrs. Grace, who kindly went with her up stairs. On being told some of the friends had sent their love to him, he replied, “I appreciate it very much;” and he then spoke of feeling more sweet peace in this affliction than in any other he had ever passed through, and that he could say, “Sweet affliction!” Mrs. F. asked him if he had any trouble on his mind. He replied, “O no! No darkness! All is sweet peace!”

A friend said to him, “The things you have preached will do to die by; will they not?” He replied, “I believe they will.” “Then,” said the friend, “you are not afraid to venture into the river with such a religion?” In a firm tone of voice he replied, “No, I am not;” and sweet peace beamed in his countenance. He then quoted some lines; but we could not catch all he said, but two of them were as follow:

“‘And leap in the fulness of joy

On the wings of unutterable love.'”

And again: “I have been

“‘Encompassed with clouds of distress,

Just ready all hope to resign;’

but now

“‘I pant for the light of his face, 

That I in his glory may shine.'”

He was buried on the 14th, at the Extramural Cemetery, Brighton, followed by his family, several ministers, the deacons of Galeed, and numerous friends. Mr. Hull, of Hastings, and Mr. Bourne, of Deptford, officiated. One of our friends kindly paid all the funeral expenses, and yesterday we announced that our boxes at the chapel doors were open for a collection on behalf of his bereaved widow and family, and we obtained nearly £30, which we hope to increase. Mr. Covell suggested that we should send a statement to other churches what we had done, hoping they would aid us in our undertaking to raise a little fund for the widow; and he (Mr. C.) thought it would be best for such collections and subscriptions to be sent to our treasurer, Mr. D. T. Combridge, 26, Western Road, Hove, Brighton, to concentrate all gatherings into one fund. However, we wish to leave this to you and the numerous friends and churches, feeling assured you will use every consistent effort on her behalf.

Edward Stenning

[Our invariable rule has been not to insert cases of private subscriptions on the cover of our magazine; and, though strongly tempted to do so, we feel that we dare not depart from that rule on the present occasion. We may, however, say that the widow is left entirely destitute.]