Read Ebook: The life of the departed by Bill I E Ingraham E

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Fifty years from the date of the first Association, Fathers Crandal and E. Manning met at an Association held at Nictaux; and these veterans of the Cross both preached in their turn to the assembled multitude. The effect of their administrations was overpowering. Many felt that they were hearing them both for the last time; and so it proved to be. At the close of the session, they took their leave of each other, expecting not to meet again until they should meet in the great association above. The sight was deeply affecting. They wept, embraced each other, and rejoiced together in the prospect of a speedy re-union in the skies. They had entered the field of conflict about the same time, had fought many a hard battle with the principalities and powers of evil, and had witnessed on all hands the mighty triumphs of that Gospel which had been committed to their truth; and now that they contemplated the moment as drawing nigh when they should exchange the helmet and the sword and the breastplate for laurels of victory at God's right hand, and for crowns of glory studded with many precious gems, is it any matter of marvel that they should be deeply moved in the retrospect of the past, and at the opening prospect of the future?

At all our denominational gatherings, Father Crandal filled a distinguished place; frequently chosen, especially in younger life, to preside, and was always expected, when present, to preach. When the New Brunswick Baptist Education Society was formed, he was elected its President. This was nearly thirty years ago, and by the unanimous wish of his brethren, he continued to fill this important office until removed by death.

His pastoral relations were extended, and somewhat peculiar. Having been so extensively blessed in the Counties of Westmorland and Albert, he seemed to feel that he was called to exercise a special oversight over all the Churches in that extensive district. Hence he was sometimes the pastor at Salisbury, then at Sackville, then at Moncton, then at Hillsborough, then at Coverdale, and then back again at Salisbury. If he had confined his pastoral labors more to one given point, and satisfied with simply visiting the Churches in the other sections, enquiring after their welfare, it probably would have been better for him, and for the cause in which he was engaged. The tendency was, though not designed by him, to unsettle younger pastors, and to induce in the people the love of change. The fact is, that steady, pastoral guidance, in connection with an individual church, was not his strong forte. His mission was more in the direction of evangelization, and of an extended proclamation of the Gospel of peace, and hence his love for itinerancy, and his success in winning souls to Christ.

As a preacher, he was very effective. His appearance in the pulpit was calm, dignified, and impressive; his voice commanding, and his intonations at times peculiarly touching. His topic was generally Christ, and him crucified. To whatever branch of the great system of truth he turned his attention, he generally found his way to the Cross, as the great central point in the christian economy. To him, Christ was the Alpha and Omega of salvation; hence he loved to proclaim him in his Divine original, in his complex character as the God-man, in the infinitude of his love, in the purity of his obedience, in the agonies of his death and passion, in the all-sufficiency of his ascension, and in the prevalency of his intercession before the Throne above. As he expatiated upon these sublime and soul-stirring features in the great mystery of godliness, his lips not unfrequently seemed as if touched with a live coal from God's burning altar. The effect of his ministry under such circumstances, was thrilling and impressive, beyond the power of language to express. It was this unction from the Holy One doubtless, that gave him such power over human hearts. God grant that his mantle in this respect may rest upon those he has left behind.

His first wife having been removed from him by death, he married Miss Martha Hopper, of Sackville, by whom he had five sons and three daughters, all of whom are living at the present time. The second Mrs. Crandal still lives. May God be her support in the decline of life, and her comfort in the hour of death.

Finally, we notice his quiet, peaceful, triumphant death. Notwithstanding he was in his eighty-seventh year, he nevertheless died with his armour on. His was the death of a truly Christian hero: only six weeks before he died he preached the gospel to the people supported by two of his deacons, and took his leave of his affectionate and weeping church; and during his last illness, though his suffering were at times severe, yet he staggered not at the promise through unbelief, but was strong in faith giving glory to God. Sensible to the very last, he met the King of terror with perfect composure, and feeling that death was doing its work, he closed his eyes and his mouth, and died without a struggled or a groan.

Thus old and full of years his sun went down without a cloud, leaving a dazzling splendor in its train. He had indeed fought the good fight, finished his course and kept the faith, and for him the crown of righteousness was in reserve. Of all the messages which his protracted ministry and his entire history addresses to man, none speaks in louder or more touching tones than that calm and peaceful death. It tells us how a christian warrior can die with glory in his view.

I have only to remark in conclusion, that the removal of Father Crandal from the scenes of his earthly connexions, is an event not unexpected it is true, but which nevertheless produces a sensation that is deeply felt, not only by his own church, but throughout the Provinces generally.

To that state of felicity all godly ministers and people are tending. The wheels of nature, by an immutable law, are rolling forward and hurrying to the eternal state. Meanwhile heaven is attracting to itself all that is virtuous and good upon the earth, and peopling its pure mansions with the spirits of just men made perfect. Let us, dear friends, follow in the track of those venerated Fathers, who instructed us by their counsels, and cheered us by their example, that like them we may at last finish our course with joy, enter into rest, and unite eternally with them in the employment and bliss of the heavenly world.

"No chilling wind, no poisonous breath, Can reach that healthful shore: Sickness and sorrow, pain and death Are felt and feared no more."

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