Gospel Analogies

Govett was installed as Vicar in the Anglican Church, the members of his church loved the way he preached. Govett was known for his analytical powers. As Dr. Cyril J. Barber put it: "Few men could equal Govett for originality of thought. He also possessed a well-ordered, disciplined mind. He could trace a theme through Scripture with unerring logic. Govett was of the opinion that the Scriptures should always be open to a fresh scrutiny, based upon new light that might have been received and, because of this, as the years passed, he became independent of many of the denominational views that he had previously adhered to. In particular, having witnessed a full immersion baptism. In 1878 Govett formally left the Church of England. Govett then started an independent work, known as Bazaar Chapel, at the Victoria Rooms in Norwich, where he pastored a growing number of people. As to assembly life, Govett was influenced by the Plymouth Brethren, but he remained the sole leader of the church. He liked the writings of J.N. Darby and other Brethren, but he kept his independent attitude towards Scripture exegesis. He went his own way and was very able to defend his insights. Govett wrote many tracts on baptism and these were much approved by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who was also appreciative of other materials that Govett published. Spurgeon once said about Govett: "Mr. Govett wrote a hundred years before his time, and the day will come when his works will be treasured as sifted gold."