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R_P_Napper 
R.P. Napper (Obituary) 
1868 
  
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The Annual Monitor for 1869, or Obituary of the Members of the Society of Friends in Great Britain and Ireland for the year 1868, New Series, No.27, p.101-108.
 
Robert Peters Napper, age: 48 Died: 31 10 mo. 1867
 
Newport, in Monmouthshire.
 
The recording a few particulars in Robert P. Napper's life, is done with a desire that his experience may act as a warning to those whose minds may be unsettled, and seeking as he did to find out the truth, in any way but that which can alone lead into it. We see also in his case, that the Holy Spirit surpasses all other teachers, powerful to convince of error as well as sin; and that our Saviour's words continue to be fulfilled: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all truth: he shall glorify me, for he shall take of mine, and show it unto you." John xvi., 13 15.
 
At an early age, Robert Peters Napper manifested a remarkably active and investigating mind, and was very fond of reading. Even at school, he spent his pocket money in books; frequenting the book-stalls in search of works in science and literature. Soon after leaving school, in one of his early morning walks, he picked up a dead sea gull; which circumstance led him to try his hand at bird-stuffing, and stimulated his pursuit of natural history. But though much attracted by this new attainment, he persevered in reading; and one of his youthful companions remarked in after years, that it was Robert Napper who first taught him to think and study for the improvement of his mind.
 
On coming of age, however, he was seized with a desire to try his fortunes abroad: and soon after his 22nd birthday, in 1841), sailed for Sidney. For the next fifteen years, he went through various vicissitudes. After living two years in Sidney, his love for natural history took him into the wilds of Queensland, and among the Aborigines, to collect specimens. Twelve years he spent in business in the Spanish Colony of Manilla, and returned home by way of America. Though industrious, and generally successful, yet he found that life abroad was not all sunshine; it had its mortifications as well as enjoyments.
 
At Brisbane, he fell in with some German Missionaries, who seem to have become much attached to him. Their simple-hearted devotion in leaving home and country to preach the Gospel to the natives, touched his heart: and his friends have reason to think, he at this time first became convinced of sin, and of a Saviour's love.
 
After reaching his native land in 1856, photography engaged his attention, and in the successful practice of this art, he visited Sicily and Spain, as well as places nearer home. His inquiring mind led him about this period to read much, and converse much, on difficult philosophical and theological subjects; often asking doubtfully, ''What is truth?" and seeking a solution of this important question in writings, that had a tendency to lead from the truth as it is in Jesus into doubt and mysticism. There was not a book professing any new views on these matters, but he would, if possible, become acquainted with it: and all this tended to his estrangement from the peace and joy of a simple faith in Christ.
 
These things caused his friends great anxiety. But knowing it was useless to argue with him, they could only pray for him ; that, through the goodness of his Heavenly Father, he might be brought under the convincing and converting power of the Holy Spirit.
 
"There is a science reason cannot teach,
It lies beyond the depth her line can reach;
It ia but taught by Heaven's imparted grace,
The feet of Jesus is the only place:
And they who mental riches largely share.
Bat seldom stoop to seek their wisdom there.''
 
(Jane Taylor.)
 
Robert P. Napper's long residence in a tropical climate had weakened his constitution; and in 1866 he was taken suddenly ill with alarming hemorrhage, recurring again and again for three days. His life seemed to be fast ebbing away. However he gradually revived a little: and nearly a week after his seizure, it being First-day, he asked his brother and two sisters to sit down in his room, and requested his older sister to read a portion of Scripture. He was so weak, that she only read five verses; when in a broken manner, he expressed to their surprise his altered views of eternal things, and that his hopes now rested on a Saviour's love. His sister said, she "could only thank and praise God for his condescending mercy, in thus answering their many prayers put up for him from time to time; for she had long felt that no reasoning would avail." "No," said Robert, "if thou hadst reasoned with me, it would have made me worse." From this time all the reading he wished to hear, was entirely different to that he had previously delighted in; and the Holy Scriptures were much enjoyed.
 
It now appeared, that for some time previous to this attack of illness, he had been led to read and search the New Testament itself; and thus his mind was preparing for the reception of gospel truths, which he afterwards acknowledged were such as a little child might understand. It also appeared, that one thing which was instrumental, under the influence of Divine grace, in this great change, was a Baptist minister directing his attention especially to two chapters in the New Testament, the 12th of Romans and the 12th of Hebrews, wishing him to read them thoughtfully. This he frequently did, and remarked they had been greatly blessed to him.
 
For nearly six months he continued in so critical a state, that his end was looked for day after day. Then dropsy set in, and when after long treatment this abated, his strength utterly failed. On the 24th of Tenth month, 1867, the day on which his sister was attending the funeral of Jonathan Rees, he became suddenly worse, and felt sure that he should not recover. Yet he revived a little, and on the 26th could look over some paintings with interest: for during his long confinement he had contrived an apparatus to hang before him, that he might draw and paint when in bed.
 
The end, however, was drawing near. On First-day, the 27th, he told his sisters, he felt an exhaustion more like death than any thing he had known before. One of them said, she hoped he was still able to feel, that he had by repentance found forgiveness through a crucified Saviour. "Yes," he replied: "I have never had any doubts since that day," alluding to the time of his change of heart. A further hope being expressed that they might all meet in Heaven, he said, "I believe we shall."
 
Two days later, his doctor asked him how he felt in the prospect of death, whether he felt afraid to appear before his Maker? "No," said he, "I have no fear," and explained to him that his hopes were in Christ his Saviour. The doctor, who was a member of the Church of England, asked if he would like to see a minister to receive from him the consolations of religion? This he declined, giving satisfactory reasons for it: and the doctor said on going away, he was quite satisfied that he was prepared for the approaching change without such visit or help.
 
Very calmly and composedly could he now speak of his end, and his abiding confidence in Christ. "It seemed wonderful," he said, "that he should find acceptance;" at another time, he repeated that "his hopes rested entirely on Jesus, who is the Rock, the only sure foundation: there was no other on which to rest; and he hoped and believed the family would all meet in Heaven."
 
Towards the end he kissed his sisters affectionately, expressive of his love, and thanks for their attendance on him: and with fervent emotion did he at last, holding out a hand to each, bid them again and again "farewell, farewell," repeating the same for those relations who were absent. He then lay unconscious for some hours, and passed away (as we may trust) to one of those mansions, which the Saviour has prepared for those who truly believe in Him. 
 
 
  
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