Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

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Andrew Miller

While supervising a large London business, Mr. Miller was for a considerable time the voluntary pastor of a Baptist Church. As light from the Word of God was followed the sectarian principles were left behind, and the believers gathered on Scriptural lines; Mr. Miller continuing to labour as an honoured brother amongst them.

As a warm-hearted Evangelist, the best of the man was ever visible. He was greatly used in the conversion of souls, both amongst old and young. It was no uncommon thing for the preacher to bathe his impassioned appeals with tears while he pleaded the claims of the Master he loved. In fact, he was called by many “the Rutherford of brethren.”

As an author his name will be remembered as long as his valuable “Papers on Church History“* or his Meditations on the Song of Solomon, on the Psalms, and other themes continue to be read. If they were more known they would be more valued. He encouraged the writing, wrote the introduction, and largely helped to finance the issues of C.H.M.´s “Notes on the Pentateuch”, the most popular and extensively circulated of all the varied volumes connected with what is known as “the Brethren movement”.

Telling how he had been led to cast in his lot with those who thus gather to the Name of the Lord Jesus, and to break bread every Lord´s day, he said he had been a member of a Church for some time previously, when one day he was invited by a Christian gentleman to attend a Bible reading which was held in his drawing-room each week.

“I accepted the invitation” he said, “and went, but such a stranger was I to that kind of thing that I went in full evening dress, and found myself the only one so attired, which made me feel very uncomfortable. We were invited into the dining-room for refreshments, and then adjourned to the drawing-room for the Bible reading. After prayer a passage of Scripture was reverently read, and a deeply interesting conversation followed. As I listened to the unfolding of the Inspired Volume I began to discover that the Bible contained such wonderful truths, to which I was an entire stranger, that I soon forgot my evening dress and made up my mind to attend the next weekly Bible reading if the host would invite me. This he did, and I attended week by week, learning more and more the wonderful truths of God, and becoming better acquainted with the great purposes of redeeming love and grace. Thus I was led to cast in my lot with the so-called ´brethren´.”

On another occasion he told how he was led to begin to preach and to speak publicly. Having to visit the North of Ireland in connection with business matters during the Revival of 1859-60, he had been an eye-witness of some of those wondrous scenes of spiritual blessing when many men and women were stricken down to the ground under the convicting power of God´s Word, and were constrained to cry out publicly for mercy. Souls were saved, backsliders were restored, and believers were revived and blessed. On returning to London, Mr. Miller could not help but tell his friends what he had seen and heard. These friends at once said:

“We must not keep these good things to ourselves, but we must invite our friends and neighbours together that they also may hear of this marvellous work of grace.”

Drawing-room meetings were convened, and Mr. Miller was invited to give an account of the Revival work in the North of Ireland. In this way he was led out into public service for his Lord.

He had a passion for souls, and was a true Evangelist, as well as a spiritually qualified teacher. He saw the multitude, and his soul was stirred. Rarely ever did he preach the Gospel without tears, and he told me how it grieved him to his heart to find the growing apathy in Gospel work among the saints in the different assemblies he visited.

In labours more abundant for half a century, in suffering scarcely less so near the end, Andrew Miller fell asleep on 8th May, 1883. In the eventide of retirement, as he looked back upon the past, around on the then present, and forward to the future, he exclaimed with great emphasis of soul, “Nothing counts but Christ.”

G.H.
*Currently published by Bible Truth Publishers

Extracted from ´Chief Men among the brethren´ Pub. Pickering & Inglis

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Randy Amos

At the age of 30, Randy committed his life to the study and accurate teaching of the Word of God. He travelled ceaselessly throughout
the US, Canada, and abroad, teaching the Scriptures to audiences young and old, large and small. Whether it was in a conference
or a camp setting or in a local meeting (and recently via video conferencing), his skill in teaching Church truth through print or from
the platform was unsurpassed. His ability for “connecting the dots” between OT pictures and NT truth was absolutely astounding. His humble and transparent manner while maintaining a firm grasp on the truth of God’s Word only accentuated his giftedness from the Lord and the obvious reason why the Lord had laid His hand upon this esteemed brother in the ministry of the Word. As he would often say: “God wrote it, I quote it!”.

So many could easily say of him that he was a “faithful and beloved brother” (Col. 4:9). Truly, he was a servant of the Lord in every respect
and will be sorely missed by so many who were edified and encouraged by his teaching as this editor was for more than 40 years. The Amos have been blessed with three children, Cindy Dougal, Bob Amos, and Mary Beth Pearson and six grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to Christian Missions in Many Lands (https://www.cmml.us/donate). Personal financial gifts will be
managed through New Smyrna Bible Chapel, 3801 S. Atlantic Ave. #208, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 (with check payable to New
Smyrna Bible Chapel, with reference to Randy & Sylvia Amos).

“And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth”.Ecclesiastes 12:9–10

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Colin Aderson

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F.G. Patterson

I am just getting ready to start to record 20 papers by this author.

Born: 29th of March 1832

Died: 2nd January 1887

For some years, F. G. Patterson edited Words of Truth. He also contributed articles to other periodicals and authored four books–A Chosen Vessel, Lectures on the Church, Lessons for the Wilderness, and The Ways of God. These rich meditations, his many articles, and his answers to correspondents are now brought together in one large volume. Patterson has been highly esteemed for his clear and concise presentation of truth.

Here is a list of his work. I do not have all of them, but you might be able to find them on the Internet.

Books by F. G. Patterson

The following pamphlets and booklets are from the pen of Mr. F. G. Patterson. While information as to him personally seems to be limited, we can judge from his writings that he was a well instructed brother and quite active among brethren back in those promising years between 1865 and 1880 before the devastating cleavages among gathered saints had left them bowed and broken. His written ministry extends over a period of about twenty years, 1864-1884.

F. G. P.’s insistence on the obligation of the church to maintain in practice the scriptural truth, “There is one body”, is most timely at present. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit” is the exhortation in Ephesians four, and for the church of God to deliberately ignore her responsibility to hear and obey this clear call is the most flagrant kind of Laodicean indifference. We feel distinctly that if these articles, so ably written by F. G. P., were according to the mind of the Spirit in the seventies and eighties of the last century, they are equally true today. God’s principles of truth and practice do not vary with changing conditions in the great house of Christendom. To be not only in the doctrine of, but in the practice of, the truth of Ephesians four is the great privilege of faith at the present time. If it leads to a narrow path and a rejected testimony, let us not draw back, for “He is faithful that promised; He cannot deny Himself.” May God, by the Spirit, abundantly bless the following able ministry to His dear saints today.
September, 1944.
C. H. Brown.

Books by F. G. Patterson
Blackrock Lectures on the Church of God
The Ways of God, a Brief Outline of God’s Dealings with Israel, the Nations, and the Church, and His Purposes for the Glory of Christ
Scripture Notes and Queries
The Lord’s Host. A Few Thoughts on Christian Position, Conflict, and Hope
Lessons for the Wilderness. Thoughts on Some Typical Incidents of Israel’s Deliverance and Pilgrimage
A Chosen Vessel, being Lessons from the Life of the Apostle Paul

Pamphlets and Booklets
Is there Ever a Time When Paul’s Doctrine is of No Practical Value
Baptism (printed but not published)
Paul’s Doctrine
The Unity of the Spirit and Endeavoring to Keep It
The Church, Which Is His Body. With Some Collateral Truths
Corporate Actions of the Holy Spirit
Remnant Testimony
There Is One Body and One Spirit and The Unity of the Spirit
The New Birth
Bunch of Hyssop
What to do with Evil Thoughts
Jesus of Nazareth Passes By

F. G. P. edited a monthly magazine, “Words of Truth,” which was published from 1865 to 1875, the bound volumes of which were at one time available.

Walter Thomas Turpin

Biographical by Walter Thomas Turpin provided by Gabriele Naujoks

1834: Born in Middleton, near Dublin, Ireland; first child of Thomas Dawson Turpin (32 y.) and Charlotte Alicia Conyingham (31 y.); four brothers, two sisters.

1843 death of parents

1840s Elphin (Roscommon, Ireland): being educated at Dioceson School by Rev. Thomas Flynn

1850, around Dublin: being educated at a collegiate school, North Great George’s Street

1852, 1st July Dublin: matriculation at Trinity College

1857, vern. B. A. from Trinity College Dublin.

Dublin attending the Mission Church of the Irish Church Mission, Townsend Street

1858, January Templeharry (King’s County, today Offaly, Ireland), diocese of Killaloe: curate

1858, 15th February 1st marriage with Margaret Peirce (1834-1863) in Tullamore (King’s County), Ireland; second daughter of George Pierce and Ellen Acres

daughters: Georgina Ellen 1859-1943), Elizabeth Charlotte (1862-1843), Margaret Alicia (1863-1944)

1858 10th October ordination as Anglican priest

1859, March Lynally (King’s County, Ireland), diocese of Meath: curate

1860 June Kilbride Tullamore (King’s Copunty, Ireland), diocese of Meath: curate, and chaplain of the prison in Tullamore

1862, March Dublin: assistant missionary of the Irish, Church Mission to the Roman Catholics, Townsend Street

1862, August Dublin: assistant minister of the Episcopal Chapel, Upper Baggot Street

1863 vern. M. A. from Trinity College Dublin

1863, July Dublin: chaplain of Albert Chapel at Albert Hospital, 34 Peter Street

1864, 4th October 2nd marriage with Ellen Wade Thompson (1840-1919), in St. Peter Church, Aungier Street, Dublin, daughter of Thomas Higginbotham Thompson and Martha Wallace children: Annie Catherine (1867-1940), Walter Bowie (1880-1954), Meliora Mary (1883-1967)

1862-1864 Dublin: attending the believers’ meetings in Merrion Hall, Lower Merrion Street

1865 1st January Glasgow, Scotland: incumbent of St. Silas Church 69 Park Road, Woodlands resident in 2 Queen’s Terrace, Glasgow

1865, June – November Glasgow: editor of the Spiritual Watchman, published by Scott and Allan Glasgow

1865 August Glasgow: leaving the Church, first in fellowship with Open Brethren

1868, at least since in fellowship with closed Brethren (from 1881 on Park Street group)

1870, resident in Edinburgh, 44 Castle Street

1871, resident in Inveresk (Midlothian, Scotland) near Edinburgh

1872-1875 resident in Brompton (likely Brompton in Kent, England), 2 Clarendon Villa

1875 resident in Malvern (Worcestershire, England), Cowleigh Road editor of Occasional Helps, published by W. B. Horner, London

1876, since resident in Brighton (Sussex, England), 7 Belgrave Place

1883 editor of Gospel Papers, published by G Morrish, London

1886, at least since resident in Tunbredge Wells (Kent, England)

1891-1895 editor of Helps in Things Concerning Himself, published by G Morrish, London

1893-1897 running the Ladies School in Tunbridge Wells

1896 leaving the Brethren, joining the Church of England incumbent of Salem Chapel, Tunbridge Wells, London Road

1900/01-1914 resident in Eastbourne Sussex, England) incumbent of Emmanuel Chapel, Hyde Road

1914, 20th December death in Eastbourne, 30 Upperton-gardens buried at Ocklynge Cemetery, Eastbourne, Willingdon Road.

Corydon Crain

Corydon Crain – 21st December 1847 ~ 13th October 1925, age 78.
Father: Ebenezer Crain – 29th May 1812 ~ 1892.
Mother: Dolly J. Rawson – 1816 ~ 1882.
Wife: Elizabeth S. Chamberlin – March 1847 ~ 1918.
   Married on 18th January 1888.
Daughter: Florence E. Crain – November 1889 ~ 1930.
Siblings:
    Anson Crain – 27th July 1838 ~ 6th April 1913.
   Cynthia Amelia Crain – 24th Sept. 1840 ~ 24th Sept. 1853.

CALLED HOME
The Lord has called to Himself our beloved brother Mr. C. Crain, well-known to most, either personally or through his helpful written ministry.
Our brother had been in California during the past few years of his life and devoted himself to the ministry of the Word in those parts.  While gifted as a teacher, he had, as all should have, a heart for the gospel and rejoiced at its dissemination.
Mr. Crain had been identified with “Brethren” for more than fifty years; was acquainted with Mr. Darby and others of the “fathers.”  Through many times of stress, he sought to be helpful to God’s people.  For several years he edited a magazine, “The Shepherd’s Voice,” and was also a frequent contributor to other of our periodicals.  His painstaking studies in Romans, first Epistle of John, and other writings, are still to be had, and in them we can see that loyalty to the truth and faith in our Lord and His Word which marked him.  Scholarly, as well as thorough, modest and retiring, he loved and was loved by a large circle of acquaintances.
Our brother was a diligent student of the Word, so it was true of him, “He that tiIIeth his land, shall have plenty of bread.”  Let us emulate his example.  The men who have served in the Church of God have been faithful students.  Let us pray the Lord to raise up more like him, giving themselves to reading, studying, and meditating upon the word of God, and the literature which will open up its treasures—not primarily for the purpose of giving out what we have learned, but to become better acquainted with the mind of God, more in communion with the Father and the Son.  Then our “profiting will appear unto all.”  We will have words in season at our public meetings or be able to contribute helpful articles to the various periodicals.  May the Lord stir up our younger brethren as to these things.  Large numbers are getting High School and University Education; are they using this to make them more familiar with the things of God?  What a vast field there is—the Scriptures with all their divine fulness of truth.
Our beloved brother survived his wife a number of years.  When his strength began to fail, he found a happy and congenial rest in the “Home for Aged Saints” at Burlingame, California.  The end came quickly, scarcely more than a day after the first stroke.  His body was laid to rest near the scene of his later labors.  He had nearly reached the age of 80.
So we part, till the time, so near, when we shall hear the welcome call for—
“All the redeemed, from the earth, from the tomb,
To be to Thy praise, blessed Saviour, at Home.”  S.R.
“Help and Food for the Household of Faith” 1925 

John Thomas Mawson

J. T. Mawson, 1871-1943

John Thomas Mawson (1871-1943) was a gifted and much-used evangelist, open-air preacher, teacher and writer. Born in the North-East of England, he edited Scripture Truth magazine, along with other brethren, from its inception until his home-call. He travelled very widely preaching and teaching in England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as visiting North America, the West Indies, South Africa, and the Antipodes. He seemed to have a gift to get alongside folk — young and old, rich and poor, clever and simple. His book ‘How to Overcome’ was one of the earliest books I read, and could truly be described as formative. His writings remain clear and accessible to a modern generation. There are over 400,000 words from more than 2,000 pages in these writings; there is some duplication, but the magazine section adds about another 1,000,000 words in 600 articles to these statistics.

A gentleman, who has had extensive surgery, is walking along a promenade with a young companion, when suddenly a large company of people, men and women, about 200 persons all told, confront them. The gentleman climbed upon a large pile of stones which was nearby and began to preach. The gentleman was J.T. Mawson, a well-known evangelical and Bible teacher. He said to the assembled company, “You’ll never get the Lord Jesus off your hands unless you take Him into your heart. Pilate tried to get rid of his responsibility by washing his hands but he could not rid himself of his awful guilt by those means. Neither will you, and you both will meet the Lord Jesus as a Judge. So trust the Saviour now and you will not face Him as a Judge”.

By the time Mr. Mawson had completed his message, he was swaying with weakness on the pile of stones where he was standing. His young companion said it was a most impressive and solemn message and was a wonderful expression of impromptu preaching.

Mr. Mawson was not a robust man as he suffered from asthma and frequently he required operations for duodenal ulcers which were very severe. These ailments did not prevent him from leading an active life and preaching and ministering the Word of God. He wrote many books and for a number of years was the editor of a magazine, “Scripture, Truth”, to which he was a regular contributor.

At one time Mr. Mawson had a desire to go into Parliament, but he had to make a decision — Christ, or his own desires. Needless to say, Christ was the victory. The young man was liberated to serve Christ, and the Church of God was enriched by his books, ministry and preaching. Young people might ask themselves the question, “Is Christ paramount in my life?”

Extract from “Some Reminiscences” by Stuart E. McNair:

Perhaps 200 were present at the prayer-meeting and there were no long pauses. I remember a white-hot prayer for the gospel by J.T. Mawson, and how the words of one of his sentences rang out… “and that souls may be saved on the spot” — Nothing surpassed that evening at Bradford.

Mr. Mawson’s hymn in ‘Spiritual Songs’ is no. 66. “Lord, Thou hast sought, and with blood Thou hast bought me”. Significant are the expressions, “Snapped are my fetters, the captive is free”. “If the Son shall set you free, ye shall be free indeed”. (John 8:36).

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