Home-call of a Colleague.

ALFRED HOLNESS, F.R.G.S., well-known London publisher of Christian Literature for 50 years, was called to his reward [at East Dulwich] on Oct. 8, at the ripe age of 80.
His father was a market gardener in Faversham, Kent, where he was born.  His mother, an out and out Christian, sought to instill into his young mind the stories and great evangelical truths of the Bible, which led to his conversion to God in his teens, and to his taking a definite stand on the Lord's side.  The world outlook which led later to his being made a F.R.G.S., induced him thus early to arrange to leave the small English town for a post in distant South America, then much less known and civilised than to-day.  Arriving in London and proceeding to the head office of the firm for final instruction, what was his surprise to find that the firm was bankrupt, and he, along with other young men, was left "alone in London."
His Christian spirit directed his steps to the Y.M.C.A., 186 Aldersgate Street, where he met Mr. Robert Burn, the first Superintendent, who showed the lonely and disheartened lad no little kindness, for e'er the day closed, he was not only employed, but found a place in the home of Mr. W. H. Broom, the well-known publisher of Expository Works. Here he came in contact with many ministering brethren of honoured memory, including J. N. Darby, Wm. Kelly, G. V. Wigram, J. B. Stoney, C. H. Mackintosh, Chas. Stanley, H. F. Witherby, and others.
Takes the Advice of J. N. Darby.
In his early days in London, the connection with Mr. Broom and the meeting with many godly and gifted teachers Induced him to cast in his lot with those known as “Exclusive Brethren," but whom the saintly R. C. Chapman ever termed, "brethren beloved and longed for," Those who knew him, quite understood that there was never any exclusivism in his heart, and the elders found a difficulty in restraining his activities within the narrow bounds of their circle.  One day, J.N.D., when visiting the home, found young Holness cast down. Inquiring the reason, he found that he had been chastised by the elders for daring to preach the Gospel in a lodging house with saved sinners not associated with the party.  "Never mind them, Alfred," said the man with a heart larger than his fellows, or his followers, "they are acting wrongly; you preach Christ where He leads you."  Thus encouraged at that time, and ever after, A. H. had a love for all sinners, brotherly care for “all saints,” and whole-hearted loyalty to the Word of God and the Christ of God.
Yet he remained with "Exclusives," till division after division, and trouble upon trouble, led quite a number to consider their position, not in the light of Bethesda or Park St., or any actings of brethren past or present, for which they could not be held responsible, but in the light of God's Word, the ever and all sufficient Guide, with the result that in 1901, a number of Christians, including most in Peckham and Carfax Hall, freed themselves from all party or sectarian connections, and met as Christians, prepared to receive all who were Christians, provided they were sound in the faith and. godly in life. In this happy position, Mr. Holness had fellowship with "His Own” from all parts of the globe, and acted as a true shepherd in South Grove Hall, Peckham Rye, or halls which preceded it, for 25 years.
Baptism Deferred for 40 Years.
As a young Christian, Alfred Holness approached Wm. Kelly on the subject of Baptism. Mr. Kelly, whom we understand always held the baptism of believers to be correct according to the New Testament, considered Mr. Darby and other brethren who held what is now known. as “Household Baptism" (that is the immersion of children of Christian parents), and probably with a view of keeping peace in the party, induced the young believer to avoid the subject.  Well-nigh 40 years after some MSS. advocating the baptisms of households were submitted to Mr. Holness with a view of publishing same.  The reading of the arguments led him to refuse the issue, and decide even in old age to be baptised as a believer, as he should have done 40 years before.
The result was that in 1910, the aged pilgrim declared his identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, in the waters of baptism, in King George St. Hall, Greenwich.
Married in 1871, his wife, MARY SAY HOLNESS, proved a life-long, right-hand partner and true helpmeet "in, every good word and work," her name being the last he breathed on earth.  For 34 years, she edited the Golden Text Calendar, one of the first calendars of its kind issued, and which has proved a light and cheer in thousands of homes the whole world over.
After spending some time with Mr. Broom, he decided to commence business for himself. Taking up the agency for R. L. Allan, the joint-imprints of HOLNESS. London; ALLAN, Glasgow, soon became known world wide.
In 1902, Mr. James E. Hawkins, who had hitherto acted as agent for PlCKERING & INGLIS, having left the Row, Mr. Holness consented to represent both Glasgow Houses. This he did with increasing friendliness and considerable development, until after spending 53 years in the City, old age compelled him to retire In 1919, when he expressed a desire that the business be taken over by Pickering & Inglis, who now became publishers. of all the Allan and Holness, as well as several Hawkins publications.
After retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Holness paid visits to a son and daughter in Canada, then to a son in South Africa.  infirmities steadily increased, and after being absent from the Morning Meeting only two Sundays, the end came early on Friday, Oct. 8.  Fully 200 workers who had known him, assembled in Honor Oak Cemetery to lay the remains to rest until the resurrection and reunion morning.  Mention was made of the long useful, and steadfast life, and all were exhorted to “whose faith follow."  HyP.
“The Witness” 1926