Sketches of the life of J. G [by himself] . ... With his poems, etc

Preface

. Solomon says " Making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh." Though I have found the latter part of this sentence correct, I hope I shall not experience the former, especially if each book should cost me the same amount of hard work as this has done. When I contemplated compiling it I little thought the amount of labour it would cost, and now it is with fear and trembling that I allow my feeble efforts to come before the intelligent public. It would be presumptuous to suppose the literary merit of this work would be sufficient to warrant such an outlay in this 19th century, with its learning and attainments. 1 have simply but truthfully chronicled a few of the leading incidents of my life which, it will be seen, has been one of some ups and downs ; as well as put together in verse some of my thoughts on the leading topics of the day, and as they have already had many readers, received commendation from Royalty, and have been reviewed and criticised by newspapers at home and abroad, I hope the book will not be uninteresting.

A noted doctor has said " that a good laugh at times does his patients more good than all his medicine " ; if this book should contribute in any way to this result it will not be without merit Bnt the wise man has also said that " sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better ;" if any part of this work should be the means of producing serious reflection and pointing to the true source of happiness, the author's labour will be doubly repaid. Its imperfections will be easily perceived, but for this I make but ont apology — could I havo written better I would have done so. I have added at the close the "Ramble" that accompanied my Almanac for 1874, and "Glimpses of Departed Days" which prefaced my Almanac for 1875, hoping they will be found interesting and instructive. *' 0 many a shaft at random sent, Finds mark the archer never meant I And many a word at random spoken, May soothe or wound a heart that's broken." — Scott.

Yours obediently, JOSEPH GWYER. Tengej Septemler 3rd, 1876. INDEX SUBJECT. PAGE. Death of Mr. Charles Dickens ... 80 Old and New Year, 1869-70 81 Childhood and Youth 83 A Review of the Past Four Years ... 84 Touch Not, Taste Not 86 Sunday School Treat 87 Annual Now Year's Tea to Parents 90 Try before You Buy 91 To all who Travel by Rail in Penge 92 Important to Tradesmen in Sydenhara and Forest Hill 94 Thc Cabmen's Dog ... 95 Yibit to Beddington Park 96 Marriage of Rev. J. Halsey , 97 Police urphanage Fete, 1874 ... 98 „ 1875 ... 99 In Aid of the Bellew Fund 100 Enlargement of Penge Tabernacle Sunday School 101 Penge Tabernacle Sunday School Treat 102 To a Clergyman 104 On Building Galleries to Penge Tabernacle 104 Dr. Todd's Lecture on the Poet "Burns" 105 On Entering Penge Tabernacle after its Enlargement and Renovation 107 '* Certainly I will be with thee " r„ 108 Affliction 110 A Paraphrase on 23rd Psalm .„ 110 Harvest Sons for 1874 Ill Old and New Year, 1874-5 112 In Memoriam ... ... 113 Laying the Foundation Stone of the Congregational Chapel at Anerly 114 Personal Reminiscences 116 Son? of the Sabbath 117 The Lord's Goodness and Grace ... 118 God's Care for His People 119 Lines on the Throne of Grace ... 120 Spiritual Reapers ... 121 Time Compared to a Brook 121 Joy for Life's Sorrows 122 Jesu's Love my Theme 123 Divine Submission 124 Kind Remembrances of the Past ... 124 Heavenly Consolation 125 The Gospel 126 The CLristian Pilgrim 126 The Magsman at London Bridge Outwitted ... : 127 To Mr. Murphy 133 Love and Matrimony 134 , Reviews 140 SUBJECT.

TAGE. Parentage. Childhood, & School Days 5 First Impressions of London ... 8 Bad Habits 10 Youthful Freaks 11 A Narrow Escape 12 Religious Awakening 13 Conversion 14 Experience 17 Tract Distributing 18 A Case of Distress 19 Became a Teetotaller 21 Effects of Total Abstinence 22 Baptism 23 Commence Business 24 Failure 25 Sabbath Breaking 26 Getting Married ... 28 Penge Tabernacle ... 29 Hospital Life 30 False Teaching 32 Perplexity and Deliverance 33 Commence the Potato Trade ... 34 Squire O'Connor ... 35 Recognised by Royalty 36 Christmas Jov 37 The Lost Found 38 Prayer Answered 39 Bermondsey "Hell" 40 Concluding Remarks 41 POEMS. A Token of Loyalty 45 On the Recovery of the Prince ... 46 A Thanksgiving 47 A Nation's Trial 45 Lines on tbe Thanksgiving Day ... 49 Marriage of H. R. H. the Duke of ■ Edinburgh 51 Birth of the Young Prince 52 Illness of II.

R. H. Prince Leopold 53 Shah of Persia's Visit to England... 54 Visit of Czar of Russia to England 56 In Memory of the Death of Napoleon III 58 Coming of Age of the Prince Imperial 59 A New Year's Medley 60 A Soldier leaving his Sweetheart for the Ashantec War 02 The Return ot Sir Garnet "Wolseley 63 Some Frit ndly Advice to the Electors of East Surrey 64 The Wreck of the " Northfleet " ... 65 The Wreck of the " Rothsay " ..70 Destx-uction ot the Alexandra Palace 76 Doctor Livingstone

Introduction

TO THE SECOND EDITION. In issuing' the second edition of this work, I cannot, bnt express ray sincere thanks to the public for their kindness in purchasing so quickly the first edition. I expected the publicity given to my former productions by the press would secure a large circulation, yet I was not prepared for anything like the demand that has been made for the work. I scarcely thought it wise at the time to have stereotyped it ; but, upon reflection, I considered that in the event of my death it might be of advantage to my surviving family. I little thought that another edition would be demanded so soon, but the 1,200 copies have been sold in less than three mouths, and orders for hundreds of others have reached me. bo tbat thc outlay of 6tereo-typing meets with an unexpected return. Many of the letters received from different parts have been of the most encouraging character, both from those in high positions as well as those in the humbler walks of life.

I must here express my gratitude to many ministers of religion, both Episcopalians and Nonconformists, who have so kindly expressed their appreciation of roy humble efforts to do good. Lord bless this hook, I humbly pray, To all who read its pages o'er, And guide the wayward in the way That leads to heaven's eternal shore. May my experience help inspire Thy children, Lord, to trust in Thee ; Though they be tried like gold in fire, May even that a blessing be. And when my race has run below, May I then know 'twas not in vain ; AVhile here on earth the truth to sow, Though oft it used to cause me pain. Psalm cxxvi., 6 verse. " He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Yours truly, February, 1876. J. GWYER.

The following letters have been received since the first edition from Her Majesty the Queen, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, H R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and the MarquiB of Lome : — Balmoral, November ith, 1875. Major-General Ponsonby begs leave to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Gwyer's letter of the 2nd instant, and the accompanying volumes, one of which he has, according to Mr. Gwyer's wish, laid before the Queen, and has been commanded by Her Majesty to thank Mr. Gwyer lor sending it. General Ponsonby at the same time has to return his thanks to Mr. Gwyer for the other volume which he has been good enough to give him. Hotel Bristol, Paris, 13lh October, 1875. Sib, — I am desired by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to thank you for the verses which you have been so good as to transmit lor His Royal Highness' acceptance.

I am, Sir. Your obedient Servant, FRANCIS KNOLLYS, Private Secretary Clarence House, St. James's, S. W., November 5th, 1875, Sir, — I am desired by Colonel Colville to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, together with the volume of Poems forwarded for the acceptance of H .It. H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and iu reph to say that his Royal Highness has been pleased to retain the same, but has requested that the enclosed sum, as price of the work, may be transmitted to you. I remain, Sir, very obediently yours, Mr. J. Gwyer. • S. F. Bambridge. Kensington Palace, November 15th, 1875. Sir, — The Marquis of Lome requests me to write to thank you for the book of Poems you were good enough to send. 1 am, Sir, your obedient servant, F. Campbell. INDEX TO PIECES ADDED SINCE FIRST EDITION .

PAGE. Ramble Eound the Neighbourhood 145 to 163. Glimpses of Departed Days 164 to 184. The Momentous Question 185 to 193. Visit of the Prince of Wales to India -.194 On the Illness of Florence Melville 195 Thoughts on the Old and New Year, 1875 k 1876 196 On the Opening of the New Congregational Church, Anerley 197 . Lines on my Children 198 to 200. Lines on the Farm Labourers' Association 201 to 202. Reviews, Letters, and Critic 203 to 205 ' LUSTIES Suggested to me through hearing a Sermon on Sunday Evening, March 12th, 1876, by Rev. J. Collins, in Penge Tabernacle, On the Opening of the NEW WING OF THE LONDON HOSPITAL By Her Majesty the Queen on the previous Tuesday. On Tuesday a grand sight was seen, To witness our beloved Queen, While she on mercy's errand went, To see her, there were thousands beut.

The route was thronged along the way With loyal tokens of display ; The wind blew coloured flags about, And all went pleasantly throughout. Some mottoes now we will recite Which caused the people great delight ; In largest type they were displayed And spoke the truth in all they said. '• Welcome, Victoria, here to-day," Was read by thousands on the way ; " God save the Queen," was seen again, " And peace and plenty crown her reign." " Come soon again " was their request, " For, though we're poor, we love you best ; Great Queen you are and woman good, And kinder mother never stood ; " The kindly feelings we could trace Was clearly marked upon each face : Hurrahs and cheers did rend the air, And loudly echoed far and near. They toon tbe Hospital did reach, The Duke of Cambridge gave the speech, It spoke the joy they felt that day " To see her Majesty al way." it wat They through the building led the Queen, And Princess Beatrice too was seen, And as each bed they passed by A transcient gleam of joy was nigh.

The sick ones stretched upon their beds With joy lift up their aching heads, It helped relieve the pain of those And gave some pleasure in their woes. A little girl was heard to say — " If I could see the Queen to-day I'm sure 'twould cure me of my pain, And I should soon get well again." The Queen most kindly did behave, And loving words to her she gave, And patted her upon the cheek, Said, " dear, your wish I'll gladly meet." Such acts as these do volumes speak When thus onr Queen assists the weak ; Not only with her presence there But her great gift shows us her care. Her throne is settled firm and sure. For God her friend will e'er endure. Her subjects' loyalty is such, That 'tis like steel with magnet touch'd ; No cause for wild alarms of fear To revolutionise us here ! While these are feelings of the masses.

They show true loyalty from all classes. The Grocer's Company we'll praise, May riches ever crown their days, Through giving such a noble sum. May others practice what they've done. Ma rch lith 1876. As this was written while the book was in -the hands of the binder obliged to be placed in this position. LIFE ___A__.__N~._D POEMS OF JOSEPH GWYER. fWAS born on November 17th, 1835, in a village in the West of England called Redlench, ahout 7 miles from Salisbury, Wiltshire. My father was a Farmer. I remember going with him for a walk after recovering from a severe illness to Squire Goffe's Park. I was not more than 7 years old, and my father pointed to the Squire's mansion and said, " There, my boy, lives the Squire who has all the care, anxiety, and expense of this beautiful Park, and there, in that cottage, lives a poor man who has the same pleasure without the expense.

I have often moralised since on similar coincidences. About the same time I had given me a small black terrier pup. which I named " Carlo." This dog became a great favourite, but soon sickened and died, and we buried him in our orchard under an apple tree, with a funeral procession and burial service, to which we invited many of our playfellows. My eldest sister tolled the bell with a poker and dustpan, while two acted as parson and clerk. My grief was for several day almost unbearable. We erected a memorial inscription over his grave, and I always visit the spot when I go there. At the age of eight years, throngh tbe death of my beloved mother, and my father being left with eight children (the eldest a sister about 13), I was removed to my grandmother's at Lodge Farm, within 2 miles of my home ; there I was brought up, and spent some S years amid the rural scenery of a lonely Farmstead.

Being near a mile from any house, it may be imagined my companions were few and far between. My uncle managed the farm for my grandmother until her death, when he came into possession of the same (some 4 years after my residence there). My uncle was intent upon my being brought up in an industri ous way ; he therefore made me do as much, for a lad, as was necessary, and I have thought a great deal too much. I attended the British School at Downton, a town about 2 miles FABENTAGB, CHILDHOOD, ARD SCHOOL DATS. distant from the farm. I may here tell of two encounters I had of a pugilistic character with my school fellows named Arthur and John, taking place during the dinner hours of the school ; we were about equally matched in the first engagement, but our School Master settled the difference in the afternoon with the cane coming closely in contact with each of our backs before all our schoolfellows ; ever after, this lad and I were on agreeable terms.

The other engagement came off like some other battles, with a glorious defeat (second best). I expected to have come off victorious, as I was getting tbe best of it, when an unforseen incident happened just at the nick of time and turned the tide of events against me ; John's uncle came and declared that if he did not give me a good thrashing he wonld give him one after I had done with him. This imparted fresh courage to my antagonist and somewhat disheartened me, resulting as I have described above (dead licked). I have not tried my pugilistic efforts ever since. I cannot speak too highly of the School Master, who was an excellent man ; some three years since the old scholars presented him with a purse of about £100 in appreciation of his services ; he was also a preacher of the Gospel ; we had Bible lessons for about half* an-hour every day, and often my young mand was deeply impressed with these narratives.

Before I went to school I had to milk the cows and drive them to the meadow, which was about a mile from the farm, and then get to school at nine o'clock in the morning. I left school in tbe afternoon at half-past three o'clock, took the cows from the meadow, milked, and often bad to mind them in the evening, 60 that with learning and work my young body and mind were pretty well taxed, and, as the old adage says, all work and no play made Joe a dull boy. As a set off against the dulnesa of the place, fox-hunting often enlivened the scene, and frequently the huntsman's horn was heard resounding through tha woods, and " tally-ho " in swift pursuit of the poor defenceless fox, with some dozens of ravening hounds after it, and huntsmen's horses leaping over hedge and ditch. I had a ferret named " Pug,'' which followed me about hke a dog.

I was remarkably fond of ferriteng and netting rabbits, at which I became quite a dapster. I have caught four or five rabbits at a time in one burrow ; but, alas, one fatal day while ferretiag rats in my PARENTIGI, CHILDHOOD, AND SCHOOL DATS. 7 father's barn I killed the poor creature instead of the rat. I never was a good shot, but remember the first rabbit I killed. My gun burst, and I had a narrow escape of dislocating my shoulder, but the joy of seeing the rabbit he dead seemed to deaden the pain. Like Robert Bloomfield, I reflected on the works of nature around in all their varied forms. On Saturdays and holidays I often used to act as ploughboy, and occasionally my thick head had a clod thrown at it, as the ploughman used to say he would as soon have an old maid out of the work house to drive the plough.

On Sundays the cows had to be attended to in a similar way. I had to go to the Wesleyan Sunday School at Downton at nine in the morning. My uncle was a class leader at this Chapel. I was very familiar with Methodism in all its forma. Our farmstead used to be a continual resort of both travelling and local preachers ; several of the Ministers were of a very talented order, and have since cut their names on the marble wall of fame as eloquent preachers, lecturers, &c. I used to go home about once a week, though the sweetness of home soon became somewhat removed, my being taken away so young, yet my recollection of my beloved mother remains very vivid. Those who have both father and mother little know the loss those sustain who in tender years lose a loving and good mother. My father waB beloved and respected by all, and I believe his equal I shall never find.

He had a most painful and linger ing affliction for some 15 years before his death, which made him the greater part of that time as helpless as a child. Those w ho waited on him testify they scarce ever heard a murmur escape his lips. A man well read, of deep thought and wonderful memory, a thorouhg politician of the Liberal School though not a thorough Radical. His illness was chronic rheumatism. A stranger would not have known anything was the matter with him, as he scarce ever alluded to his affliction ; his com pany was resorted to by many friends to pass a few hours in cheerful conversation. He is gone where I have every reason to believe my dear mother went before, to the place where the inhabitants never say they are sick, and where tears are for ever wiped from their eyes. My beloved mother's death was a severe blow to my poor FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF LONDON. father and us all.

Many a time can I remember walking with my father and hearing the deep sighs proceed from his breast through the absence of her he so much loved. I never remem ber their speaking an unkind word to each other — would that all conjugal ties were of a similar happy character. I may say that both my grandmother and uncle are gone the way of all flesh, to the bourne from whence no traveller returns. At the age of 17 I came to spend a short visit with my nncle in London, and was so enamoured with the attractions of the great city that I made up my mind to stay at all hazards. Never shall I forget the day, coming into London by the South Western Railway to Waterloo Station. It was the 5th of November, 1852 — a true guy arriving perhaps many will say — it was one of those foggy days that I never saw before, but so usual in our great city at that time of year, darkness as it seemed that it might be felt.

I soon arrived at my destination. What a change from my previous lonely spot. 1 said London is the place for me, no more driving plough, milking cows, &c, &c I at once tried to get a situation, and succeeded, through a friend of uncle's, at Bevington & Sons' Leather Factory, Neckinger Mills, Bermondsey. Oh, the change that burst on my view, gas was burnt nearly all day, and the rattling of steam engines sounded in my ears ; some 300 hands were employed here, aud many of them not of the most moral cha racter ; it was surely a pestiferous air for a young country greenhorn to breathe ; at first I was the joke of the whole place, my speech and mien was so different from the cockneys I had to mix with, and who were thoroughly cognisant with every move of London life. I remained there about a twelve month, and had a hot fire of persecution, though I might not have been any better than them had it not been for my previous teaching.

I may just here tell one of the larks they had with me as a sample. To one of their evil plots I would not be an accessory. I therefore was marked in the evening, and was surrounded by twenty or thirty youths and young men who with a rope tied me to a lamp post in Great George Street, nor could I extricate myself till a kind Sergeant of the Police came by and released me. This may perhaps account for my particu lar regard for the blue-coated gentry ; it reminds me now of Dr. Syntax, who was tied to a tree by robbers when he went on FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF LONDON. 9 his celebrated "Tour in search of the Picturesque" (by the way, this book would r^pay any one's reading.) On account of being wished to do Sunday work, which I did but once, and was determined I would not do again, I gave notice to leave, and thus ended my fortunes at this place, though not before I hid as good an insight into the depths of depravity in this large city as perhaps 1 could have had at any place.

I lived to see many of my fellow-workmen ruined through their excesses, some I fear both in body and soul. If this should be read by any country young men or women contemplating leaving their humble homesteads to seek their fortunes in the great metropolis, I would say be firm with your principles and your enemies will ultimately respect you. I was now faintly premeditating returning again to my father's fireside to follow the occupation of farming, but I believe Providence designed otherwise. I met with a friend (Charles Shelley) who came from my home, who told me if I did not wish to return home again he thought I could get a situation by applying to his employers, which was the well known firm of Geo. Broad & Sons, Woolstaplers, Bermondsey and Rochdale ; nor was his expectation vain, I called on the Friday, and was told I could commence work on the following Monday.

I cannot speak too highly in praise of this situation, as both employers and employed were of the most agreeable character. About ten years of my life were spent there with the happiest recollections ; many of the wool sorters employed in that establishment were countrymen, so that I had not the ridicule to encounter as in my previous situation, although by my previous schooling I was quite prepared for it, were it in reserve for me; but now the tables were turned, aud I joined in any of their larks with the same amount of relish as my compeers had done before to me, and might have gone to the same excess or worse ; for let me here remove the impres sion if it has been formed that I was. or felt myself to be, a whit better than the poor creatures that I have been previously describing, and were it not for restraining influences I might have ran deeper into sin than they.

Here I must say no place is safe from the poisonous arrows of the enemy of souls, who goeth about like a roaring lion (or an angel of light, which ever suits his purpose best) seeking whom he may devour. I had formed the acquaintance of a fellow-workman nick- BAD HABITS. named " Curly," and soon felt I could scarcely be happy without his company, as he could sing a good song and was a most agreeable companion altogether ; now my decline appeared inevitable, nearly every night witnessed us at some place, I assure my readers not of the most respectable character. I now imbibed, amongst other bad things, a wonderful liking for skittleplaying, though I had previously an utter abhorrence of it, yet eo captivating did it become that I could risk anything else for a skittle-alley ; most of the frequenters are of the worst character.

I remember one evening searching many places in Bermondsey ; not one could I find in any of the skittle-alleys to play witb, so I returned to my lodgings with great disappoint' ment, retiring to bed much earlier than was my wont, but lo ! sleep had fled from my eyelids. I began to meditate on my folly, and rightly thought I was much worse than any of the other frequenters, as they had no inclination to be at play that evening. I know not how such a resolve came, but believe it to be the direct promptings of the Holy Spirit, I vowed to God with deep earnestness I would never enter again another skittleground for the purpose of playing or seeing it played, and I thank God this resolve has been faithfully kept to the present day, though it is now more than twenty years since it was made. Little do we know the good influences surrounding us to check our maddening folly while posting ourselves down to destruction.

If this should be read by any one caught in a similar net God help you, my brother or sister, to make a similar resolve if it be that or any other sin. I had not the least idea but that " Curly " was strictly honest, but alas, alas 1 I soon was undeceived in this respect, as the sequel will presently reveal. Apart from this one I had two other companions named Bill and Harry, of perhaps superior genius. Were I to write some of the bare-faced things we did my readers would scarce believe me, and how we escaped without coming to grief I know not. I remember one evening as it was just getting dark a shopman was putting up his shutters in Long Lane, Bermondsey, and had nearly finished Then Harry, while he was gone into the shop after another shutter, took oae down and ran some yards down a side entrance with it.

We stayed behind one of Pickford's vans opposite and watched the poor exasperated tradesman. He began to count TOUTHftH. FREAKS. his shutters and got into a most terrible rage, we thought we should split our sides with laughter ; he paced inside and out side the shop and declared it was impossible for any infamous scoundrel to take one down as he had only to go a couple of yards behind his door for them. Then Harry coolly walked into the shop for some trifling article, when the tradesman began to tell him of his grievance, and declared to him be knew not what had become of his shutter or how he should finish shutting np his shop. Harry told him these Cockney lads were up to every move, and no doubt one of the little scoundrels had taken it down and ran off with it, but probably he would find it not far away ; when soon after we saw the poor dejected fellow with his shutter, but I believe he had no idea that this country greenhorn had anything to do with it.

One other evening, walking down Newington Causeway, Harry pushed Bill on some valuable crockery that was exposed for sale on part of the pavement ; he told the proprietor that his friend had nearly broken his leg, and that he would summon him if he exposed his ware on the pavement again. The proprietor said he was exceedingly sorry, he hoped they would look over it this time, and they should not be put there again ; you may suppose there was a great deal of the crockery broken. On the Thanksgiving Day (in 1854:), respecting the ending of the Crimean War, many of us at the warehouse went to Clapham Common and spent the day in various amusements. Many thousands were congregated there, when some lad or lads set the furze on fire, which burnt at a tremendous rate, and brought many to the spot, among whom myself and companions.