Gathered to the Lord’s Name
Hymns Appendix #22, 50 51, 69, 79, 80.
Lord Cecil was born the son of the second Marquis of Exeter on July 18, 1841. While little is available as to his early boyhood, he came as a young man in contact with William Has-lam, an earnest preacher of the gospel in the Church of England. After he was saved he grew much in his soul and became active in proclaiming the gospel. He also ministered helpfully to the Lord’s people. Because of his position he was free to use his time and effort for the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 7:21).
He was more interested in the heavenly family than in human distinctions. He mingled with rich and poor alike and through grace was at home with each. The testimony of one who knew him was:
“Lord Adalbert Cecil was one of the most godly men
we have ever known. Christ mastered his being.
Rank, title, wealth, influence, society, and all that
is valued in the world were cheerfully surrendered and
laid at the feet of his beloved Savior and Lord.”
The writer of this book has heard responsible brethren say that on one occasion it was said to him, “No wonder you are happy—you have wealth and position.” He replied to this effect: “You can take all that from me and you will leave the source of my happiness untouched.”
The Lord took him home suddenly in an unexpected manner. On June 11, 1889, he went on board a boat at Belleville on Lake Ontario and sailed to a place where there was a group of Indian believers in whose welfare he was interested. On the return to Picton a strong wind made the boat a bit unmanageable. As he stood up to adjust the sails Adalbert lost his balance and fell overboard. He could have made the shore, but his concern (as supposed) about a young man named Churchill in the boat led him to swim after the boat. His strength gave out and he soon sank and did not rise again. He is buried at Napanee, Ontario, from where his body shall be raised and fashioned like unto Christ’s body of glory (Phil. 3:21).