WHILE looking through some of Dr. Wreford’s manuscripts and papers today I came across the following Interesting report of the meetings that were held in bygone days, written by one who has been “with Christ” for many years.
“In 1880 Mr. Heyman Wreford engaged the ‘Assembly Rooms,’ Fore Street, Exeter, and preached there to largely overflowing congregations every Sunday evening until November, 1882. Finding the accommodation inadequate the Royal Public Rooms were taken. Here the people largely increased, numbers continued to flock, and long before the commencement of the service the large hall was generally packed to its utmost capacity, and often it was with the greatest difficulty that Mr. Wreford could get to the platform. The pressure not being removed by the removal, it was decided to engage the ‘Victoria Hall.’ This was done in 1884 and the meetings continued to be attended by a large concourse of people—often more than 2,000... On the first Sunday afternoon in the month there is a Children’s Service; on the second Mr. Wreford delivers an Address to Anxious Souls; on the third to converts; and on the fourth to workers. At the Sunday evening services his Addresses are on special subjects, previously announced by hand-bills. Mr. Heyman Wreford is undoubtedly a most popular preacher. He is about thirty years of age, and of prepossessing appearance.
“As a medical student at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital it may be imagined that his time is pretty fully occupied in studying for entry to the profession he has chosen, but nevertheless he finds time to prepare his Addresses, and comes down weekly from London to engage in the Gospel work, so close to his heart.” ...
Another Review, and How the Blessing Came.
“This afternoon we were all exceedingly pleased by the arrival of our brother Heyman Wreford, from Exeter ... Consequently it was with real interest that we settled down to hear our brother’s account of the Lord’s work in Exeter. He began by telling us that about five years ago (October 10th 1880) many of the dear saints got together for prayer the fruit thereof being, that a room was engaged that would hold about 300 persons. For more than two years the services were conducted there, many being converted, and the blessing in general was marked and large. But the place became too strait, and after more prayer, larger accommodation was obtained (for the first month by contributions of the class of elder girls, who deeply interested themselves in the gospel). But more space was required to hold the increasing numbers that came to the simple Gospel testimony. Eventually the ‘Victoria Hall’ was engaged, where thousands now, Lord’s Day after Lord’s Day, fill the spacious Hall. Many instances of blessing our dear brother related with thrilling power—blessings which have proved lasting and effectual.
“ ‘The secret of it all is prayer,’ exclaimed the evangelist. ‘I tremble when prayer is stayed,’ He then continued by giving us many instances of wonderful answers to prayer.
“ ‘One dear brother,’ he said, ‘feeling ill at the close of the week, took it as an indication of God’s will that he should retire to his room and spend the time in prayer to God on behalf of the meetings. This he did, continuing in prayer until late on the following Lord’s Day evening. On Monday morning, a brother, having noticed his absence on the Lord’s Day, visited him, when he was received by the salutation, ‘You had blessing last night, had you not?’ The secret was out. I could not account for such a wave of blessing rolling over us. Now, I saw it was prayer again! Oh, beloved brethren, pray! pray! I pray!!!
“Could we resist such an appeal? We could not, and from the very spot where we were, much earnest prayer arose to the throne of God on behalf of our young brother and his work in the Gospel.”
Sheaves from the Harvest Fields.
For lack of room we are only able to give you one out of thousands of instances of the most wonderful blessing in connection with the preaching of the Gospel recorded above. Eternity alone will reveal the full results—but, thank God, the result is sure. The instance we give was feelingly recalled at Dr. Wreford’s funeral on Saturday, January 5th at the Higher Cemetery, Exeter.