The life of the departed

by I. E. Bill

His doctrinal views were of the Calvinistic type; hence in his ministry he gave much prominence to the doctrine of the universal depravity of man through the first transgression—God’s choice of his people in Christ before the world was—the co-equality of the Lord Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit with the Eternal Father—the vicarious and perfect sacrifice presented on the Cross by Jesus, the sinner’s substitute, in accordance with the conditions of the immutable covenant of grace—regeneration by the sovereign grace of God—justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ—sanctification progressive under the guidance of the eternal spirit, and producing holiness of heart and life—the certain perseverance of all the saint of God to eternal glory—the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. He, however, held these sentiments as being in perfect harmony with the full and free proclamation of the gospel to every creature, and with the obligations resting upon all who hear the gospel, to repent of their sins and embrace its rich and ample provisions. Firmly did he advocate the right of private judgment, calling upon all to examine for themselves the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as constituting the only rule of faith and practice, and as the book that will judge us at the last day. In the advocacy of these sentiments, both in public and in private, he was bold, zealous and persevering; but he at the same tie cherished towards the pious of every name who differed from him, christian love and good will.

To what appeared to him as the truth and as the path of duty he adhered with unwavering fidelity. We might refer to many incidents in his life as illustrative of this trait in his character, but let the following suffice. Some thirty-five years ago, he was induced by the urgent solicitations of his numerous friends in the County of Westmorland, to accept a seat in the Provincial Legislature, as a member for that County, and was returned by a large majority. At that time the Government of the country was entirely in the hands of the high Tory party: those who believed most firmly in the doctrine of “vested right,” and in the right of the “select few,” to govern the many. To dissent from the Church and State notions of that day was, in the judgment of some, treason against the laws of the land. When Mr. Crandal appeared in the Legislature, he found himself surrounded by men of this type; but he had resolved upon a straightforward manly course. Hence whenever a question came up implicating the rights of the people, Mr. Crandal stood up as the bold and uncompromising advocate of equal rights. This very soon subjected him to a severe trial. He, of course, had no idea when he entered political life of abandoning the ministry, and hence he continued to preach the Gospel as usual. When in Fredericton he preached regularly to the Baptist Church in that place, and they were much edified by his ministrations. This fact was known to the Government, and as Mr. Crandal had taken a stand in the House in favour of popular rights, to the great annoyance of the men in high places, they determined by a marvellous expedient to get rid of him. Hence in their sovereignty they decreed that no avowed preacher of the gospel should have a seat in the Legislature. Mr. Crandal and his many friend felt that the decree was arbitrary and unjust, but they had no alternative but to submit. Then came the question of duty. Should he pursue the labors of political life, share in its emoluments and honors, and abandon the christian ministry? or would he abandon the former and cleave to the latter? This question he was not long in deciding. Like Moses he esteemed the reproaches of Christ greater riches than all earthly treasures. The matter was up for discussion, and he was given to understand that if he preached in Fredericton as usual on the Sabbath, he would be dismissed from the Legislature early in the week. Sabbath morning came, and he was found in his place in the sacred desk, declaring with more than usual energy and power the unsearchable riches of Christ, and exclaiming with an Apostle, “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of the unto the world.” As was expected, early in the week an order passed the Government forbidding him to occupy his seat as the representative of the people. Accordingly he left, feeling that it was “better to obey God than man.” Such, however, was his influence in the County of Westmorland, that for many years after the event to which we refer, no man could succeed in a contested election in that County unless he had Mr. Crandal’s interest on his side. This extensive influence was invariably in favor of civil and religious liberty, and to the countenance of equal privileges. For many years before his death he took no active part in politics; yet his sentiments were very generally known, and probably to him more than to any single individual, this Province stands indebted for the diffusion of correct sentiments regarding the matter of civil and religious liberty.

As might be expected, his influence in the denomination was very extensive. He took part in the formation of the first Baptist Association organised in these lower Provinces. This event occurred in Lower Granville, Nova Scotia, on the 24th of June, 1800. The departed was then in the vigour of his youth, and preached on the occasion with great power from Zach. xiii. 7—“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord.” Strong as he was in faith at that time, he probably had not the remotest idea that he should live to see that infant Association extending its membership and ministry over the three Provinces, and ultimately becoming sufficiently large to form five Associations, and the smallest of the number four times as large as the one then organized. But so it was; and to this remarkable increase, he, with the Divine blessing, contributed in an abundant measure.

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.

It is worthy of remark, that while Father Crandal was thus honored by his brethren, and blessed by God in the salvation of souls, and in the extension of Zion, he was habitually impressed with a sense of his own unworthiness to enjoy such distinguished favor. He felt that, in himself, all was imperfect, and that his proper place was that of an humble suppliant at the foot of the Cross. Often have we heard him exclaim in the language of Paul, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” While we speak of him, therefore, as a good man, let us at the same time be reminded that he was perfected but in part, and that we should follow him no further than he followed Christ.

We have already remarked that in youth he was married to Miss Sherman. By her he had three sons, David, John, and James, and three daughters Mary, Lucy and Rebecca. His son David has long been a successful preacher of the Gospel of Christ, and still continues a watchman on Zion’s walls. His son John is also an office bearer in the church, and valiant for the truth.

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.