Methodist
Hymn #18 (1757).
This venerable man was one of the earliest of Wesley’s so-called lay preachers. He was born at Brailsford, Derbyshire, England, in the year 1721. The particulars available of his life are brief. When about 18 years of age he was deeply touched by a book he had read. This turned his thoughts to the Lord and by the time he was 23 he was preaching the gospel in his own neighborhood. He next became associated with the Wesleys and their work in London. From 1749 he preached at the “Greenwich Royal Park Academy.” He not only preached the Word frequently, but also wrote several hymns. He was a close friend of Wesley, Madan, Toplady and other servants of the Lord. On his tombstone, in City Road Chapel (buried near to John Wesley), appears the following inscription:
“Sacred to the memory of JOHN BAKEWELL, late of Greenwich, who departed this life March 18, 1819, aged ninety-eight. He adorned the Doctrine of God, our Savior, eighty years, and preached His glorious Gospel about 70 years. ‘The memory of the just is blessed.’”
“Jesus, hail! enthroned in glory,
There forever to abide;
All the heavenly hosts adore Thee,
Seated at Thy Father’s side;
Worship, honor, power, and blessing,
Thou art worthy to receive;
Loudest praises, without ceasing,
Meet it is for us to give.”