Henry William Soltau

Early Life and Family Background

Henry William Soltau was born on 11 July 1805, the second son of George Soltau, a prominent merchant of Plymouth. His father was a man of strong Christian conviction and public spirit, one of the founders of the Plymouth Free School, notable for its daily teaching of the Bible without compulsion of conscience—an early sign of the spiritual principles that would later shape his son’s life.

George Soltau died at the comparatively early age of forty-four, but not before leaving a lasting impression upon his family. His wife, Henry’s mother, was a woman of deep piety and firm character, to whom Henry was particularly devoted. Her influence, together with that of his father, formed the moral and spiritual foundation of his early years.

One vivid childhood memory that stayed with him was being taken in a boat to row round the HMS Bellerophon while Napoleon Bonaparte was on board, on his way to exile at St Helena—a striking historical moment impressed upon a young mind.

Education and Early Career

Soltau received a thorough education. Preparing initially with a private tutor in Kent—where his fellow pupils included Samuel Wilberforce and his brother—he entered Trinity College, Cambridge in 1825 and graduated in 1827. He then pursued legal studies at Lincoln’s Inn and was duly called to the Chancery Bar.

A man of wide intellectual interests, Soltau was deeply read in literature, science, and natural history. He undertook the study of Hebrew to gain a better understanding of the Old Testament and was earnest in his search for truth. Yet despite listening regularly to leading evangelical preachers such as Charles Simeon, he found no settled peace. The Gospel, as he heard it, seemed to mingle faith in Christ with human duty, leaving his conscience burdened rather than freed.

In London he entered fully into cultured society. His wit, charm, intellect, and love of music—especially the opera—made him a favourite in social circles. Prospects of success, honour, and influence lay before him. Outwardly his life appeared complete; inwardly it was hollow.

Conversion and Spiritual Awakening

In January 1837, weariness of soul overtook him. Like Israel loathing the manna, he found pleasure itself distasteful. A letter from home reporting his mother’s illness prompted him to return to Plymouth. As he packed, he was seized with the conviction that he would not see her alive again. The fear proved well founded.

That night, kneeling beside her coffin, he uttered what he later described as his first real prayer:

“Lord, if Thou dost not save me, I am lost for ever!”

It was the cry of a soul stripped of self-confidence and confronted with eternity.

Shortly afterwards he heard an address by Captain Hall on 2 Kings 7, and light broke into his soul. The freeness of salvation through Christ alone filled him with joy. His transformation was so evident that a relative remarked he was like the healed man in Acts 3, “walking and leaping and praising God.”

Separation from the World and the Church System

Returning to London as a changed man, Soltau quickly discovered that his former companions had little taste for his new convictions. One by one they withdrew. Soon after, he abandoned his legal career, counting worldly success as nothing in comparison with Christ.

He removed to Plymouth, drawn by the remarkable fellowship of believers there—men and women who, guided by Scripture alone, were learning afresh the truths of the Church, ministry, and worship. Leaving the Church of England and casting in his lot with those later known as “the Brethren” cost him dearly, including estrangement from much of his family. Yet he joyfully accepted the reproach of Christ.

Gospel Labour and Teaching Ministry

Soltau devoted himself wholeheartedly to Scripture study, preaching, and teaching. Alongside fellow-labourers such as Mr. Clulow, he engaged in evangelistic work throughout the villages and hamlets of the West of England, regions often marked by spiritual ignorance. Tract distribution, schools, and open preaching accompanied this work, and many were brought to faith.

A tract shop opened in Plymouth became a centre for the wide circulation of Gospel literature. These were days of remarkable blessing, when the Word of God “had free course and was glorified.”

Family Life and Later Moves

After the painful divisions that later affected the Brethren movement, Soltau and his wife moved first to Exmouth, then in 1851 to Northam near Bideford, where they spent ten happy years. Their family of three sons and six daughters grew up in a home marked by simplicity, affection, and spiritual order. Soltau counted it one of his greatest joys that all his children were early converted and later devoted themselves to the Lord’s service.

In 1861 the family moved to Exeter, a change that brought Soltau’s ministry more fully before the wider Church.

Literary Contributions

Henry William Soltau’s writings secured his lasting influence. Among the most significant were:

• The Tabernacle, the Priesthood, and the Offerings – a monumental work that became foundational for later writings and lectures on the subject

• The Soul and Its Difficulties: A Word to the Anxious – a small book with immense circulation, used by God in countless conversions

• They Found It Written; or, Who Are the Brethren? – a clear and accessible explanation of the movement’s scriptural principles

Other works on bondage, redemption, and the symbolism of the tabernacle furniture further displayed his gift for clear, devotional exposition rooted firmly in Scripture.

Affliction, Final Ministry, and Home-Call

A severe trial came with the failure of his eyesight, at one point threatening total blindness. Though partial recovery was granted, his strength steadily declined. Even so, he continued to travel and minister where possible, being warmly welcomed in London, Dublin, Glasgow, Birmingham, and throughout the West of England. His addresses at the Freemasons’ Hall meetings were particularly valued, and Irish believers cherished his visits deeply.

In 1867, declining health became unmistakable. Shortly afterwards paralysis laid him aside permanently from public ministry. He bore this affliction with remarkable peace, never murmuring, rejoicing instead in hearing of the Lord’s work worldwide and in the service of his children.

In 1870 he moved to Barnstaple to be near his beloved friend R. C. Chapman. On 1 July 1875, after weeks of unconsciousness, he briefly revived, lifted his head, and with a radiant smile passed quietly into the presence of the Lord.

Character and Legacy

Henry William Soltau was marked by:

• deep humility

• intellectual clarity united with spiritual warmth

• unwavering confidence in the authority of Scripture

• tenderness of conscience and pastoral sympathy

He summed up the divine order of life and service as:

“First yourself; then the home; then the Church; then the world.”

Though long laid aside from public ministry, his books continue to speak, instruct, and comfort believers across generations. His life stands as a powerful testimony to the joy of full surrender to Christ, and to the enduring fruit of faithful service grounded in the Word of God.