| 1. Died, at Chichester, November 14th, 1842, in the Chichester
Mission, Robert Gammond, in the 37th year of his age. He was born at Fishbourne, in the year 1806, of parents who had no fear of God before their their eyes, but lived after the course of this sinful world, and trained up their child in habits of wickedness. At a very early period of life he became addicted to the great sin of drunkenness, which was the means of reducing him to a state of beggary and want. His mind being unsettled he started for London, where he work; but one day he fell down and broke the cup-bone of his knee, in consequence of which, he was obliged to return to his father's house. Soon after this he became acquainted with the young woman who afterwards became his wife; and she and her parents being religiously disposed, felt interested in his welfare, gave him good advice, and at length succeeded in persuading him to accompany them to the house of God. They then attended the Independent chapel; but as yet the word appeared to take no effect on him, for he continued in his old course of sin and folly, and evinced no desire for the salvation of his soul. About this time our people began to preach in Chichester, and the family that he was joined to, attended their ministry; and in the course of a little time, joined the society, and became regular attendants at the chapel. Whilst sitting under the word delivered by brother William Bailey, he was convinced that he was a sinner in the sight of God, aud exposed to ever-lasting woe, but yet he did not forsake his sins. His besetting sin was drunkenness; and it appeared for a time as though he could not resist temptations to drink. He was persuaded, entreated, and wept over by his wife and her mother, and very often he promised them to amend his ways and give his heart to God. He has frequently expressed his thankfulness that ever he became acquainted with such a family. At length he became more powerfully convinced of his desperate state by nature and practice, and saw that it was high time for him to be in earnest for his soul's salvation. He mainifested a spirit of repentance, and turned from his evil; but oh! that cursed drink; it allured him to turn aside from the good and right way; he yielded to temptation, and was again shorn of his strength; he found himself conquered by the enemy of souls, and this was the case two or three times. But about eleven months previous to his death, he joined the Total-abstinence society, and became a pledged Teetotaller; and for the last ten months his practices agreed with his profession. In the class-meetings, he often spoke very feelingly of the goodness of God manifested towards him; as he was now enabled to set to his seal hat God is true, for he felt that God for Christ's sake had pardoned all his sine. Who then will say anything against the Total-abstinence cause? I became acquainted with him shortly after I entered this mission. I think it was the first Sabbath I spoke at Chichester, that I dined at his house. He was then in a very precarious state of health, and had been for some weeks, evidently wasting through consumption. However he attended the means of grace as long as his strength would permit; and although he did not experience such raptures as some do, he appeared to hold fast an unshaken confidence in his God. I had not much conversation with him on the subject, not seeing him very often; but he seemed to be resigned to the will of his Lord, and waiting in patience till his change should come. Sunday, November 13th, my appointment was at Chichester, I went earlier than usual that morning, and took breakefast with one of our friends where I received the intelligence that brother Gammond was worse. I visited him before it was time to go to the chapel, and found him very weak, and not very composed in mind. The day before he had had a powerful conflict with the enemy of his soul, which had almost overpowered him. He told me he did not know what he should have done if it had not been for his wife. I endeavoured to encourage him, and I believe my remarks were not in vain. When I engaged in prayer with him he responded very earnestly to the petitions put up to God in his behalf, especially when soliciting deliverance from the adversary of his soul. This was about 10 o'clock. I visited him again about two, and found him much more comfortable in his mind; his confidence was more firm, and his faith appeared to be much stronger, so that he was able to rejoice in God. I asked him if Christ were precious; and he readily replied, "Yes, but not so precious as I want to feel him. I want more of his love. I want to be happier." I exhorted him to look to the Lord and then it would be all well shortly. He said he knew it was no use to look any where else. I again engaged in prayer with and for him; and the Lord both heard and answered. It was a precious time, and we rejoiced together. I left him with some of the friends apparently in a good state of mind, being happy in the pardoning love of God. I visited him again on the Monday, and found him much weaker in body. He was so weak that it was with difficulty he could speak; but in order to satisfy myself in reference to the state of his mind I askerd him a few important questions, which he answered to my satisfaction. I then engaged in prayer with him for the last time, and the Lord was present to bless us. It was a refreshing season. I was rather surprised to hear with what strength of voice he responded to the petitions put up to God in his behalf. After I had prayed with him, I asked if I should not see him again, whether I should tell the people that he was gone home to heaven. He very emphatically answered, "Yes!" A few hours after this he launched into the ocean of eternity. His mother-in-law asked him just as he was dying, if he were happy, he answered, "Yes I am happy; but shall soon be happier." He then requested that his head might be raised a little higher, and as soon as it was done, he breathed his last. His last words were, "Happy! happy!" Thus died brother Gammond, leaving behind him a widow and four children to deplore their loss; but we have every reason to believe that their loss is his eternal gain. I improved his death on Sunday, December 11th, from Rev. xiv. 13, to a large congregation, some present appeared to be deeply affected. May the Lord enable both the writer and the reader always to bear in mind the command of our Saviour, Matt. xxiv. 44., "Therefore, be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh." so that at last we may "Range the sweet plains, On the banks of the river; And sing of Salvation For ever and ever." Richard Westington. |