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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 on the daily experience of every child of God, starting with feeding on God's Word, engaging in active service, and ending with quiet contemplation of His mercy. The importance of stillness in our lives is emphasized, as we must have quiet hours to grow and be strengthened by the Spirit of God. Various positions of the child of God are highlighted, such as being in God's hand for safety, at His feet to be taught, and beside the still waters for refreshment.
Tenth Day: "Beside the Still waters."
IT is at least suggestive that in the contemplation of the whole of this second verse of this psalm we have in outline the possible experience of every child of God for every day; first the green pastures, then his undisputed leadership, then the still waters. Every day must begin with feeding, go on in active service, and end with quiet contemplation of his mercy and his goodness. So, because it is often more difficult to use a victory than to gain one, this suggestion is made for the day. It is said that sheep will never drink of the turbulent stream, but only at the still waters. How true it is that there must be still hours in our lives if we would grow and be girded with strength! The day which began with feeding must end in quiet thoughtfulness if we would keep in fellowship with the Lord, and absorb his beauty of holiness. What are these "still waters" but the influence and graces of the Spirit of God? His Spirit attends us in various ways like "waters"--in the plural number, you will notice--to cleanse, to refresh, and to strengthen. But he cannot be appreciated or appropriated in his transforming power until we have learned the lesson of waiting before him in perfect quietness. I have found six positions for the child of God, -- In his hand for safety. John 10:28. At his feet to be taught. Luke 8:35. On his shoulder for support.--Luke 15:5. At his side for fellowship.--John 21:20. In his arms for rest.--Deut. 33:27. Beside the still waters for refreshment.--Ps. 23:2 "That silence is golden indeed in which the Holy Spirit meets with the souls of his saints. Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love, does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane. And our Lord leads us to these still waters; we could not go of ourselves." SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY. 1. Yield absolutely for this whole day to his leadership; make no reservation. 2. Commit to memory Ps.119:11, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." I Cor. 10:13. 3. When tempted, claim the victory, because of the Lord's promise. When irritable, claim his peace and rest. 4. When the day is over, confess to him your mistakes, thank him for your triumph over weakness and sin. 5. Before you close your eyes in sleep talk to him as to an earthly friend; tell him your joys, your sorrows, your disappointments, and the failures you have made. "I tell him all my sorrows, I tell him all my joys, I tell him all that pleases me, I tell him what annoys; He tells me what I ought to do, He tells me what to try; And so we talk together, My Lord and I."
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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.