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J. Wilbur Chapman
John Wilbur Chapman (1859–1918) was an American Presbyterian preacher and evangelist whose dynamic ministry bridged the 19th and 20th centuries, leaving a profound impact on American evangelicalism through his revival campaigns and hymnody. Born on June 17, 1859, in Richmond, Indiana, to Alexander H. Chapman and Lorinda McWhinney, he grew up in a devout Presbyterian family with two sisters and a brother who died in infancy. Converted at age 17 in 1876 during a revival at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, he felt called to ministry and graduated from Oberlin College in 1879 and Lane Theological Seminary in 1882, where he was ordained that year. He married Irene Steddom in 1882, who died in 1886 after bearing three children—Bertha, Irene, and Agnes—followed by marriages to Agnes Pruyn Strain in 1888 (died 1907, with three more children) and Mabel Cornelia Moulton in 1910, who outlived him. Chapman’s preaching career began with pastorates at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Indiana and Dutch Reformed Church in Schuylerville, New York (1882–1885), followed by First Reformed Church in Albany (1885–1890) and Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1890–1899), which grew to over 2,000 members under his leadership. Resigning in 1899 to become a full-time evangelist, he conducted citywide revivals across the U.S., Canada, and beyond, notably partnering with Charles Alexander in 1907 for campaigns that drew millions, including a 1908 Boston revival baptizing 2,500 converts. Known for hymns like “One Day” and “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners,” and books such as The Secret of a Happy Day, Chapman served as General Secretary of the Presbyterian General Assembly’s Evangelism Committee (1903–1918). He died on December 25, 1918, in New York City after gall bladder surgery, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose fervor and organizational skill revitalized urban evangelism, bridging Moody’s era to Billy Sunday’s.
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J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the signs that indicate a need for restoring grace, such as restlessness, lack of interest in spiritual matters, and impatience with others. He emphasizes the importance of heeding God's word to prevent drifting away from Him. Chapman encourages seeking opposite virtues from Christ, living in a way that reflects Jesus in our interactions, and constantly asking ourselves 'What would Jesus do?' as a guide for our actions.
Twelfth Day: "He Restoreth My soul."
THERE are certain tests by means of which we may know whether we are in need of restoring grace. Sometimes, alas we so hurry along in the race of life that we do not realize how far we have drifted from God. The literal rendering of Heb. 2:1 may be, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should drift away from them." Heedlessness often causes drifting. These may be tests, according to Mr. Meyer:-- 1. Restlessness, a general dissatisfaction with our selves and everything about us. Nothing seems right; everybody is wrong; we are content with no one thing beyond a passing moment. This is a sure indication of a drifting away from Him who said, "Take my yoke upon you . . . and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "I have his yoke upon me, And easy 't is to bear; In the burden which he carries I gladly take a share For then it is my happiness To have him always nigh,-- To bear the yoke together, My Lord and I." 2. A lack of interest in the things of the Kingdom. How can two walk together except they be agreed Since all the power of heaven contributes to the advancement of the kingdom of God, it is clear proof that your life is contrary to the plan of God if your interest is waning. 3. A spirit of impatience and intolerance with others is one of the surest indications that there is a letting down in spiritual force and fervor. "If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness." So, if it is your disposition to criticize and not to restore, you are in need of restoring grace yourself. We ought to have the forgiving spirit, the spirit of charity, the spirit of helpfulness toward the weaker member of the body of Christ. Any other disposition than this is not his mind; but, if we have failed, we need not be discouraged. "Have you missed in your aim? Well, the mark is still shining; Did you faint in the race? Well, take breath for the next; Did the clouds drive you back? But see yonder their lining; Were you tempted and fell? Let it serve for a text." SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY. 1. Claim the opposite grace from Christ; that is, if impatient, claim his patience; if weak, his strength; if restless, his peace; if defeated, take him as your victory over every enemy. 2. In your relations to the church and every interest flowing out from it live for one day as you think He would live whose name you bear. 3. In all your dealings with men until this day is passed govern your actions by the question, "What would Jesus do?"
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John Wilbur Chapman (1859–1918) was an American Presbyterian preacher and evangelist whose dynamic ministry bridged the 19th and 20th centuries, leaving a profound impact on American evangelicalism through his revival campaigns and hymnody. Born on June 17, 1859, in Richmond, Indiana, to Alexander H. Chapman and Lorinda McWhinney, he grew up in a devout Presbyterian family with two sisters and a brother who died in infancy. Converted at age 17 in 1876 during a revival at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, he felt called to ministry and graduated from Oberlin College in 1879 and Lane Theological Seminary in 1882, where he was ordained that year. He married Irene Steddom in 1882, who died in 1886 after bearing three children—Bertha, Irene, and Agnes—followed by marriages to Agnes Pruyn Strain in 1888 (died 1907, with three more children) and Mabel Cornelia Moulton in 1910, who outlived him. Chapman’s preaching career began with pastorates at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Indiana and Dutch Reformed Church in Schuylerville, New York (1882–1885), followed by First Reformed Church in Albany (1885–1890) and Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1890–1899), which grew to over 2,000 members under his leadership. Resigning in 1899 to become a full-time evangelist, he conducted citywide revivals across the U.S., Canada, and beyond, notably partnering with Charles Alexander in 1907 for campaigns that drew millions, including a 1908 Boston revival baptizing 2,500 converts. Known for hymns like “One Day” and “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners,” and books such as The Secret of a Happy Day, Chapman served as General Secretary of the Presbyterian General Assembly’s Evangelism Committee (1903–1918). He died on December 25, 1918, in New York City after gall bladder surgery, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose fervor and organizational skill revitalized urban evangelism, bridging Moody’s era to Billy Sunday’s.