Denied the spiritual enjoyments3 so abundant in the present day, which it is to be feared from their very abundance are slighted, he was accustomed to repair sometimes in the daytime, when he could leave his flock in the care of another, but especially in the evening after the toils4 and fatigues5 of the day, to Seend, probably where some of his own people might be found, and unite with them in devotional exercises, returning the same night, that so he might be ready for his daily duties, so strict was he in regard to the rights of others, and lest his good might be evil spoken of. He soon began to collect a few of his neighbours beneath his natal6 cot, at first at the time of his morning and evening orisons, and on the evening of the Sabbath, for the purpose of reading the Scriptures7, singing and prayers, doubtless he would exhort8 them to seek the salvation9 of their souls, as appears to have been the case from his own confession10 in the instance that follows:—He was once summoned before a magistrate by one of the overseers of the parish, who, by his officious interference, sought to gain the approbation11 of those above him, upon the charge of not only allowing but himself preaching in his own house. Would he have been so active if he had carried on a course of evil and seduced12 others to sin? I trow not. When questioned on the subject by the bench, he replied, “May it please your worship to hear what I have to say. I think it my duty to pray with my family night and morning, and if opportunity permit, to read part of the Word of God to them. On Sunday mornings we rise an hour or two before I go to my p. 20sheep, that we may spend a little more time than on other days in the worship of God. Some few of my neighbours frequently come in and join us. We first sing a psalm13 or hymn14, I then read a chapter or two of the bible, and sometimes I endeavour in my poor way to explain their meaning, we then conclude our Sabbath morning’s exercise with prayer to God. As for preaching, I never attempt any such thing, but leave it to those who are called to preach.” The justice, who was a clergyman, reproved the persecutor15 and accuser, and admonished16 him to go and follow so good an example.
On Littleton downs he erected17 a hut for his own and others’ accommodation when the weather was bad; (this was blown down in a violent hurricane of wind, but was afterward18 rebuilt of firmer material, viz., brick, and made more convenient by his friend, Dr. Stonehouse). Beneath its roof, when the flocks were placed in safety, he would collect the shepherds and shepherdesses (for there were several at that time owing to the deficiency of male persons to do the work), and read to them from the Bible, or rather commentary, now in the possession of Mrs. Bartlett, of Cheverill, and after talking with them would engage in prayer. One now living (1855), then young, has stated that no one knew where he put the bible after reading, as she with others often searched but could never find it. He would sharply reprove the idle and careless, and then encourage them to diligence in some way or other, saying, “we cannot expect young ones to be old ones, I was young myself once.”
Among the other efforts which he put forth19 for the good of those around him was the opening of an evening school, where he taught such as desired it to read and write. Finding his house too small to accommodate his increasing family, but especially for those who came to hear and be instructed, he obtained p. 21the one adjoining, which he chiefly devoted20 to this purpose. A gentleman by the name of Bartlett, frequently invited him to his house; he had a son, an infant, who engaged the shepherd’s particular attention; and it is remarked, when at Cheverill, he would never leave the house until he had knelt at the cradle of the babe and poured out his soul in earnest supplication22 for his eternal welfare. Upon the death of the shepherd, that child, risen to the state of youth, appropriated the money that had been given him and which he had suffered to accumulate, to the purchase of the family bible, still in the possession of his widow, and which the Author has seen; it was a commentary, doubtless published by Wesley at the commencement of his public career, soon after leaving college; the date is 1751. He also bought the sheep-bells and two pet lambs, the last he ever kept, which was a privilege allowed by flock-masters to their shepherds. A view of the hallowed spot where this good man abode23, and where stood the cot within which he first drew his breath, may be obtained to peculiar24 advantage, attended with great picturesque25 beauty (as if nature would do honour to his memory), from a field adjoining Ladywood, just beyond the grove26 which is approached through the churchyard; a spot of which a respectable gentleman, formerly27 occupying an important position in the Independent church of this place, was wont28 to speak in terms of the highest praise. “I can never pass this spot,” said he, “without stopping to admire its peculiar beauty.” Doubtless the eye, the inlet to the soul, was instrumental in producing associations of the most pleasing character bearing upon the man and events whose history we are now recording29, and contemplating30 those probable results which time would develope.
It was a favourite saying of the shepherd’s when any one was disposed to stint31 a child or children in p. 22food, “Cut your last loaf as cheerfully as the first, they are growing and want plenty of victuals32, if God sends children he will send bread.”
Sometimes when his daily allowance of bread, for this was the staple33 of his food, became very dry and hard, he would put it into the pond where his flock watered as he passed to the fold, intending after he had finished to return and take it out. On one occasion, having made the deposit, his companion (his dog), influenced by the spirit that often governs his betters, proved treacherous34 and false, slyly slinking behind he approached the place and appropriated the coveted35 morsel36 to satisfy his own selfish appetite, in obedience37 to the universal law, “Take care of Number One.” Upon becoming acquainted with his loss, and to him it was likely to prove a great privation, as the probability was he must go without food all day, he made his case known to his companions, one of whom, Mary Shore (who was under him for several years), pressed him to accept of hers, as she should not want it, having brought a double portion that day and already eaten sufficient: upon her repeated assurance to this fact he took it, pleasantly remarking, “Never mind, the dog, poor fellow, was hungry, and dogs want food.” Exposed as he was upon the downs to some of those awful manifestations38 of the Divine power in thunder and lightning, he was never known to exhibit the least fear or alarm as to himself; this did not arise from a stoical apathy39 or thoughtless hardihood, but a calm composure and preparedness of mind for the Divine will. He would say, “I am ready whenever it pleases God to call me, here or elsewhere, and I do not care where they bury me, they can bury me here if they like,” alluding40 to the hut before mentioned, near which he was standing41.
Although religion in humble42 garb43 is apt to meet with reproach and persecution44, yet in the case of p. 23this lowly follower45 of the Saviour46 there appears a mysterious charm, an immortal47 ?gis thrown around him, by which he was shielded from the many and bitter sufferings that often surround the disciples48 of Christ, and which awakened49 towards him respect and affection, not only of his own immediate50 class, for some that knew him have testified he was a right-down good man and there is no David Saunders now, but also of his superiors far and wide; a circumstance which he appears to have improved to advantage, not to himself or his family, but for the good of others and the glory of God, as he said, “There is not a house in the parish in which I have not engaged in prayer,” in which exercise he manifested a strong temperament51, a blending of confidence and enthusiasm bordering upon simplicity52. The following is an instance:—Prior to a journey to the neighbourhood of Bath, he was led to engage in prayer with his youngest daughter Sally, then near her time; after commending her to God, he prayed that the child might be a boy. Soon after he reached the place of his visit he received intelligence of the birth, and finding it was according to his wish he immediately retired53 to return thanks to God for answering his prayer. His mind was also tinctured with a belief in the supernatural. On one occasion he had been to Seend; on returning, he passed near to a house reputed to be haunted; hearing a noise his curiosity was awakened, and on approaching to reconnoitre, a voice (doubtless of some person engaged thereabouts) accosted54 him with “What doest thou here?” This he supposed to be a reproof55 from above, which led him immediately to quit the spot: and it is said he never after would go out of his direct road for anything.
Having relatives at Eastcote, he would sometimes walk over there on the Sabbath afternoon, calling upon the several cottagers in his way and invite them p. 24to come and hear the Word of God, devoting the time of his visit to a meeting similar to those he held at his own home. This place has continued to have services held on the Sabbath, and forms an out-station to Lavington, which is regularly visited alternately with Easterton, a hamlet noted56 for the indolent and vitiated character of the inhabitants, as far as it relates to the soul, if indeed they ever think about it.
In a short time similar meetings were held at Cornbury Mill, situated57 in Spring road, then in the occupation of Mr. John Gauntlett, the grandfather of the individual of that name now resident here, who with several other branches of the family are still identified with the cause of the Redeemer. The humble shepherd devoted his efforts and energies both at home and here to form a spiritual fold. On the mornings of the Sabbath he would gather the sheep and lambs of Christ, such as under the influence of the Spirit hungered and thirsted after righteousness—feed them from the pasture of God’s Word—lead them to the fountains of still waters—direct and comfort the burdened and heavy laden58 with the precious promise of salvation. How long these continued is not exactly known. The honoured servant of the Lord, labouring under the increasing infirmities of age, especially lameness59, probably the consequences of that disease he in early life suffered from, as also blindness, which for two or three years he experienced, he was unable to go far from home. Some friends who held him in high respect, residing at Wyke, near Bath, sent for him and desired him to pay them a visit. It was while here the messenger was sent to invite him to the home of his Heavenly Father, a release he had long anticipated from the toils of this wearisome world. On the night before his death he had engaged with the family in their devotions, and afterwards in his p. 25own room with unusual and extraordinary fervency60. Sleeping with the son of his host he spent some time conversing61 on the things of God and eternity62 until his voice was silenced in sleep—a sleep from which he was not to awake till the Archangel’s trump63 shall tell the great day of the Lord draweth nigh. Blessed servant who was found watching; his last work on earth talking of heaven. His remains64 were removed to his own habitation at Littleton, and attended to their last resting-place by a vast concourse of spectators and friends. At his grave a request was presented to the officiating clergyman, the vicar, for permission to sing over his remains, he replied, “When I have done my part you may do as you like,” upon which, singing and prayer were engaged in on the sacred spot, for “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints,” so also is their dust purchased as the body is with the soul by the Redeemer.
The place where he was laid is near the north-east corner of West Lavington church, where a stone having a circular head, was erected to his memory by a subsequent vicar, the Rev65. E. Caswell, from the proceeds of a small work containing letters and other pieces, the production of John Saunders, his grandson, for the benefit of his mother. Three of his sons, who formed part of a family of sixteen, served in the armies of their sovereign. The following is the inscription on the stone:— ERECTED IN THE YEAR 1829.
TO THE MEMORY OF
DAVID SAUNDERS,
KNOWN THROUGH EVERY QUARTER OF THE GLOBE
UNDER THE APPELLATION66 OF
The Pious67 Shepherd of Salisbury Plain,
WHOSE LITTLE HISTORY HAS NOW BEEN READ WITH ADMIRATION68
BY MULTITUDES OF CHRISTIANS69
IN
EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AND AMERICA.
p. 26He was buried here by his Sons Sept. 9th, 1796.
Aged21 79.
Also in memory of his WIFE,
LYDIA SAUNDERS,
BURIED NEAR THIS PLACE,
May 28th, 1789. Aged 49.
Upon opening the adjoining grave lately (April, 1855) that of the shepherd’s gave way, and laid bare some human bones, which, from their remarkable70 size (he being of large stature71 and muscular build) were supposed to be his; they were returned to their kindred earth. It was remarked by the Author’s informant, “If we had lived in the days of shrines72 and relics73, what a favourable74 opportunity would have been afforded, and what a popular subject this! but such times have passed away.” The stone, which was in a decaying state, has, by the order of his grandsons, Messrs. J. and J. Chapman, been renovated75.
It is much to be regretted that the humble abode where he first drew his breath, and where his voice was so often heard instructing his own family with others in the highest of all human learning, holiness of life, inciting76 them by his precept77 and example to breathe after heaven, a spot where began a reformation that has since pervaded78 the neighbourhood around, and doubtless had some influence in the Established Church, should, with the hut on the downs, like all mundane79 things, have suffered under the ravages80 of the iron tooth of time and covetous81 innovation (about two years since it was razed82, and in its stead four brick tenements83 erected). But if the cot has disappeared, the site remains, and will be regarded with veneration84 for ages to come. It is on the top of a lane, known as Saunders’s Lane, leading from Littleton to Russell Mill, just opposite the fields. May the relatives with the inhabitants of this locality p. 27be favoured to breathe the same hallowed Spirit as its long-gone tenant85, and by drinking at the spiritual fountain that refreshed his soul realize those blessings86 he so largely enjoyed. The nearest of his descendants now living are the Messrs. Chapman before referred to, and Mrs. Holloway, their sister, of Littleton.
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magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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enjoyments
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| 愉快( enjoyment的名词复数 )； 令人愉快的事物； 享有； 享受 | |
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toils
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| 网 | |
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fatigues
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| n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 )；杂役；厌倦；（士兵穿的）工作服 | |
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natal
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| adj.出生的，先天的 | |
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scriptures
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| 经文，圣典( scripture的名词复数 )； 经典 | |
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exhort
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| v.规劝，告诫 | |
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salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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seduced
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| 诱奸( seduce的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
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psalm
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| n.赞美诗，圣诗 | |
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hymn
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌 | |
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persecutor
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| n. 迫害者 | |
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admonished
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| v.劝告( admonish的过去式和过去分词 )；训诫；（温和地）责备；轻责 | |
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ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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recording
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| n.录音，记录 | |
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contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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stint
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| v.节省，限制，停止；n.舍不得化，节约，限制；连续不断的一段时间从事某件事 | |
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victuals
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| n.食物；食品 | |
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staple
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| n.主要产物，常用品，主要要素，原料，订书钉，钩环；adj.主要的，重要的；vt.分类 | |
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treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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coveted
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| adj.令人垂涎的；垂涎的，梦寐以求的v.贪求，觊觎(covet的过去分词)；垂涎；贪图 | |
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morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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manifestations
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| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
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apathy
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| n.漠不关心，无动于衷；冷淡 | |
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alluding
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| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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persecution
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| n. 迫害,烦扰 | |
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follower
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| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
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saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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disciples
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| n.信徒( disciple的名词复数 )；门徒；耶稣的信徒；（尤指）耶稣十二门徒之一 | |
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49
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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reproof
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| n.斥责，责备 | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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lameness
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| n. 跛, 瘸, 残废 | |
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fervency
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| n.热情的；强烈的；热烈 | |
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conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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shrines
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| 圣地，圣坛，神圣场所( shrine的名词复数 ) | |
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relics
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| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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renovated
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| 翻新，修复，整修( renovate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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inciting
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| 刺激的，煽动的 | |
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77
precept
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| n.戒律；格言 | |
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78
pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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mundane
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| adj.平凡的；尘世的；宇宙的 | |
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80
ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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81
covetous
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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82
razed
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| v.彻底摧毁，将…夷为平地( raze的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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83
tenements
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| n.房屋，住户，租房子( tenement的名词复数 ) | |
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84
veneration
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| n.尊敬，崇拜 | |
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85
tenant
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| n.承租人；房客；佃户；v.租借，租用 | |
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86
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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