Mr. Yescombe
The following brief history of this rather singular character I derived from himself; and as far as my information goes, it principally turns upon his two conversions, the one from Protestantism to Popery, and the other from Popery to Protestantism.
Of his family I am ignorant, though I think he once mentioned, that he had a brother who commanded a government packet to Lisbon. As it is a considerable time since his death, I may have mis-remarked a few trivial circumstances; but I am certain, from the impression the case made upon me at first — my repeated relation of it since — and my lengthened acquaintance with him, that the following statement is essentially correct: —
He was travelling in Wales. In the neighbourhood of Abergavenny he met with a Romish priest, who immediately and sedulously sought an intimacy with him. He succeeded; and they soon became familiar friends; since, though a nominal Protestant, he knew very little of the rudiments of his own profession. He was shortly, by the zeal and art of his new associate, drawn over to Popery, and fell so entirely under the control of this man, that he was prevailed upon to deliver up his Bible, (of which, alas! he had made little use,) and to live a kind of monkish life in a sort of mountain-cave; and though he had often witnessed the occasional intemperance of this priest, he went weekly, and regularly, and solemnly, to confess before him for penance and pardon.
In process of time, in his complete devotedness to Popery, he thought of entering the monastery of La Trappe, the inmates of which were so renowned for denying themselves even the use of the speech which God has given ns for enjoyment and profit. But, as it was required of the convert, as the terms of his admission, that he should divest himself, in favour of the holy body, of all he had, he hesitated a little, and resolved to judge by a personal inspection. For this purpose he set out to visit the institution, and “he must needs go through” Bath. On the Thursdayevening, walking by Lady Huntingdon’s chapel, he heard the singing after the prayers, and went in, and continued during the whole of the sermon. The preacher was the Bev. Mr. Kemp of Swansea. I forget the text; but, in the course of his subject, he spoke against the errors of Popery, especially — transubstantiation, and the idolatrous worship of the Virgin Mary. His remarks so powerfully struck Mr. Yescombe, that, when the service was over, he went into the chapel-house, and asked to see the minister, and said he wished much to have some conversation with him. Mr. Kemp was surrounded with friends who were taking their leave of him, as he was setting off for London early the next morning. He, therefore, excused himself from a conference; but learning that the applicant’s desire arose from some impression of what he had just heard, he recommended him, mentioning my name, to call upon myself. This he did on the day following. He apologized for calling by mentioning this recommendation, and stated the occasion of it, in the doubt which had been raised in his mind from the sermon he had heard, avowing himself to be a Bom an Catholic. If true, I was glad of such an opportunity, and lifted up my heart to God, that I might continue and complete these doubts, and make him know the truth, that the truth might make him free.
And this I have every reason to hope was the case; for after several interviews (not without prayer) he expressed with gratitude and tears his full conviction — brought me his beads and books, constantly attended my ministry, and communed with ns in the dying of the Lord Jesus, spiritually and by faith, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.
He soon now furnished himself with a Bible, and indescribable was the pleasure he found in it, after never having dared to look into it for sixteen years. How often and significantly would he say with Jeremiah, “Thy word was found, and I did eat it;” and ‘’ Thy words were to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.^^
Yet he said, as he was single, and had now been so long accustomed to solitude, and from habit enjoyed it; he hoped he might still be allowed to live much in retirement; and this he did, occupying two rooms away from all interruption and intercourse; walking with God, and confessing himself a stranger and pilgrim on the earth.
He always called me — ^’Father.” I had many pleasing and profitable interviews with him, and saw him growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour till he reached the end of his faith, and that end was peace.
Three inferences are derivable from this brief memoir: First: We see the spirit of Popery, and its fear of the Scripture. If we could separate the zeal to make proselytes from the cause, how worthy would it be of imitation!
Secondly: Let young persons when they travel be careful of the company they keep, lest they get a snare to their souls, and be led away by the error of the wicked.
TJdrdly: See on what little, and, to us, casual, circumstances, important events hinge; and how the purposes of Him are accomplished ‘’ who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.^’
I bless God that, in the sixty-three years of my pastoral life, I lost no one of my flock by perversion to Romanism; while I received into my communion two converts from Popery, who walked in the truth, and ‘adorned the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things.”