Memoir of Rev. Samuel Pearce

The hite venerable Dr. Ryland said of the subject of this memoir, “He possessed such an assemblage of lovely graces and acceptable qualifications as are seldom found united, even in truly Christian ministers. He had the firmest attachment to evangelical truth, and the most constant regard to practical godliness; he united remarkable soimdness of judgment with uncommon warmth of affection. I never saw. at least in one of his years, such active, ardent zeal, conjoined with such gentleness, modesty, and deep humility, so much of the little child, and so much of the Evangelist — I can scarcely forbear saying of the Apostle of Jesus Christ.” “One thing I will say, which I could say of very few others, though I have known many of the excellent of the earth, — that I never saw or heard of any thing respecting him which grieved me, imless it was his inattention to his health; — and that I believe was owing to a mistaken idea of his constitution.”

In the funeral discourse preached by Rev. Mr. Fuller, he says, “There are but few characters in this imperfect state that will bear an impartial scrutiny; and which do not require, if exhibited to advantage, that a number of their words and deeds should be overlooked, or thrown, as by a painter, into the shade. But I solemnly declare that were I disposed to say all I know of our deceased friend, both bad and good, I should be utterly at a loss on one side, nor have I any fear of speaking too much on the other; but rather am persuaded that it is not in my power to do him justice. He was, doubtless, a sinful and imperfect creature before God; but he was also a singular instance of the holy and happy efficacy of divine grace, whose imperfections were as few, and whose excellences as many, as I have ever witnessed in a mortal man. Some, who knew but little of him, may think this too strong, I only say, they that knew him best will be the least disposed to think so.”

Mr. Samuel Pearce was born at PJymouth, England, July 20, 176G. His father was a respectable silversmith, and many years a deacon of the Baptist church.

When a child, he lived with his grandfather, who was very fond of him, and endeavored to impress his mind with the principles of religion. At about eight or nine years of age he came home to his father, with a view of learning his business. As he advanced in life, his evil propensities, as he said, began to ripen; and, forming connections with several vicious school-fellows, he became more and more corrupted. So greatly was his heart at this time set in him to do evil, that had it not been for the restraining goodness of God, which somehow, he knew not how, preserved him in most instances from carrying his wicked inclinations into practice, he supposed he should have been utterly ruined.

At times he was under strong convictions, which rendered him miserable; but at other times they subsided, and then he would return with eagerness to his sinful pursuits. When about fifteen years old, he was sent by his father to inquire after the welfare of a person in the neighborhood, in dying circumstances, who (though before his departure he was in a happy state of mind) at that time was sinking into deep despair. While in the room of the dying man, he heard him cry out, with inexpressible agony of spirit, “I am damned for ever!!” These awful words pierced his soul, and he felt a resolution at the time to serve the Lord; but the impression soon wore off, and he again returned to folly.

When about sixteen years of age, it pleased God effectually to turn him to himself A sermon delivered by Mr. Birt, who was then co-pastor with Mr, Gibbs, of the Baptist church at Plymouth, was the first means of impressing his heart with a sense of his lost condition, and of directing him to the gospel remedy. The change in him appears to have been sudden, but effectual; and, though his vicious propensities were bitter to his recollection, yet, being now sensibly subdued, he was furnished with so much the clearer evidence that the work was of God. “I believe (he says) few conversons were more joyful. The change produced in my views, feelings, and conduct, was so evident to myself, that J could no more doubt of its beinir from God, than of my existence. I had the witness in myself, and was filled with peace and joy unspeakable.”

His feelings being naturally strong, and receiving a new direction, he entered into religion with all his heart; but, not having known the devices of Satan, his soul was injured by its own ardor, and he was thrown into great perplexity. Having read Doddridge’s Rise a7id Progress of Rehgionin the bout, he determined formally to dedicate himself to the Lord in the manner recommended in the seventeemh chapter of that work. The form of a covenant, as there drawn up, he also adopted as his own; and that he might bind himself in the most solemn and afiecting manner, signed it with his blood. But afterwards, failing in his engagements, he was plunn-ed into great distress, and almost into despair. On a° review of his covenant, he seemed to accuse himself of a pharisaical reliance upon the strength of his own resolutions; and therefore, taking the paper to the top of his father’s house, he tore it into small pieces, and threw it from him, to be scattered by the wind. He did not, however, consider his obligation to be the Lord’s as hereby nullified; bat, feeling more suspicion of himself, he depended solely upon the blood of the cross.

Soon after his first awakening, he wrote the following letter to Rev. Mr. Birt, his pastor:

“Plymouth, October 27, 1782.
3Iy very dear Mr. Birt,

“Were I to make the least delay in answering your very affectionate letter, I should deem myself culpable of the greatest ingratitude. You almost commence your kind letter with mentioning that my tears at parting with you demanded 5^0 ur fervent prayers. But do, my dear sir, consider that separating from an earthly parent, the author of animal life, must, where a filial affection subsists, be an affecting scene. How much more moving must it be to part with a father in Christ Jesus! To part with one whom the Almighty has made the happy means of raising from a state of death in trespasses and sins, to that of life in a dear dying Redeemer!

“O, sir, such was the case when I parted with my ever dear Mr. Birt. Did this require your fervent prayers? Has this caused you to remember me when prostrate at a footstool of mercy? Let me beseech you, my dear sir, still to continue it; and, whenever you bow the suppliant knee at a throne of grace, not to fail beseechin: the Author of mercy to extend his mercy to an object so unworthy. O! beg of him, that, since he has begun a good work in me, he would carry it on. As he has enabled me to put my hand to the gospel plough, may I never look back: but may he grant me grace and strength to hold on, and hold out to the end; to conquer every foe; to be continually pressing forward toward the mark and prize of my high calling in Christ Jesus; and, in the end, to come off more than conqueror through him who, I trust, has loved me and given himself for me. O! beg of him that he will ever keep me from possessing a lukewarm, a Laodicean spirit! May my affections to the crucified Savior be continually on a flame!

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