The Autobiography of Lydia Walker of Brighton and some of her Family.
In the early 1800s, Joseph Banfield, a village blacksmith in Sussex was reported to have prayed daily for his children and grandchildren. Lydia Walker was on of his grandchildren, and his prayers for her were abundantly answered.
This book recounts in Lydia’s own words how the Lord opened her heart, and the tried pathway she subsequently had to walk. When trouble came in business, it drove her husband away from the things of God, and she walked a lonely path. Two of her children died. She suffered a serious illness. But through all the Lord sustained her and brought her safely to Himself in glory.
The book also includes memoirs of Lydia’s grandparents (the blacksmith Joseph Banfield and his wife), her parents, and one of her daughters who died young.
This book recounts in Lydia’s own words how the Lord opened her heart, and the tried pathway she subsequently had to walk. When trouble came in business, it drove her husband away from the things of God, and she walked a lonely path. Two of her children died. She suffered a serious illness. But through all the Lord sustained her and brought her safely to Himself in glory.
The book also includes memoirs of Lydia’s grandparents (the blacksmith Joseph Banfield and his wife), her parents, and one of her daughters who died young.
Finish: P/B
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9781911466406
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9781911466406
The life of Lydia Walker (1856-1927) related in her own words is an eloquent testimony to the apostles’ exhortation in Acts 14. 22 that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Suffering a marital separation from a sometimes-abusive husband, the loss of her daughter at the age of eighteen, and long-standing afflictions, her faith was, as Job’s, tried in the fire of God’s furnace. The precious gold of refined faith that these trials produced is deeply yet simply set forth in her writings. All who love and desire experiential religion will find a living echo to the language of her innermost soul, and though perhaps not called to tread so deeply in the waters of sorrow, or fires of affliction as she, will surely say as Elisha did of Elijah, "Let a double portion of thy spirit rest upon me.” The account makes compelling reading. In addition, there is an account of the daughter who passed away at eighteen, together with pleasing accounts of her Banfield grandparents. Those who knew the descendants of these godly people and the history of the Lord’s people at Galeed and the surrounding causes in East Sussex will find it especially interesting, as they read the informative introduction and background to these godly people. Our friend Matthew Hyde has done the denomination a great service in bringing to light the lives of our godly forbears. We warmly commend this publication.
Book review from The Gospel Standard, March 2025