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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 emphasizes the importance of feasting on God's provisions as we walk with Him, highlighting that when we walk with God, we are always invited to a prepared feast that overcomes discontent and brings joy even in disappointment. He encourages a mindset of accepting God's appointments in our daily work, trusting that His love sees what is best for us. Chapman points out that just as physical food needs to be digested to give strength, meditating on God's Word daily is essential for spiritual strength and growth.
Twenty-Fifth Day: "Thou Preparest a Table Before me."
THERE is a sudden change here in the figure of the psalm. In many of the preceding thoughts we have been walking, but now the picture is that of feasting. But this is always true; when one walks with God, he always feasts. And it is a prepared feast; God had our needs in mind when he spread it. There is there that which will overcome our discontent, and there is food which will cause us all to rejoice even in the face of disappointment. "I say it over and over, and yet again today It rests my heart as surely as it did yesterday; 'It is the Lord's appointment;' Whatever my work may be, I am sure in my heart of hearts He has offered it for me. "I must say it over and over, and yet again today, For my work is somewhat different from yesterday; `It is the Lord's appointment;' It quiets my restless will Like voice of tender mother, And my heart and will are still. "I will say it over and over, this and every day, Whatsoever the Master orders, come what may, 'It is the Lord's appointment;' For only his love can see What is wisest, best, and right, What is truly good for me." He places before us just that which may produce well-rounded, symmetrical Christian character. But, as we might starve in the presence of a well-laden board, so in spite of all God's gracious provision we may remain children in weakness, and miserably fail; on the other hand, he that eateth shall never hunger. SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY. 1. Whatever other interpretation may be given to our feeding upon Christ, this at least is true we must take time to do it, and time must be taken today to satisfy the soul's needs. 2. It is not what we eat, but what is digested that gives strength to the body; so it is what you shall meditate upon today that will make you strong in the Lord. 3. Gratitude is the golden key that unlocks and keeps open the rich storehouse of God's best gifts; so make your requests known "with thanksgiving" for the prepared table.
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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.