The Life And Ministry Of Mr. Gingell
Gospel Standard 1867:
Death. On July 9th, 1867, Mr. Gingell, of Hilperton, aged 60.
The following was written by himself: “It pleased the Lord to call me by his grace when young, in the year 1828. I went out one Sabbath morning with some companions, walking the fields, fearless and careless of everything. When we had been out half an hour, I heard a voice which spoke to my conscience. I passed on, and said nothing to my companions. I believed then it was a voice from heaven. In about three minutes the same voice spoke again, but rather louder. I did not say anything even then; but I had not gone many yards, before I heard the same voice louder and nearer. Then I said to those with me, ‘I have heard a voice speak to me three times.’ I said, ‘We will go home.’ I did so, and got myself ready and went to chapel. Then for the first time felt myself a guilty, vile sinner in the sight of God. I well remember my thoughts that afternoon, that I should be glad if the earth would open and let me out of sight, was it not for my sinking to hell. I felt the burden of sin and guilt for months, till I was worn down in body, sometimes fearing hell, then a little hope that the Lord would have mercy upon me. At length the Lord spoke peace and pardon to my poor soul, and I was enabled to go on my way rejoicing in the blood and righteousness of the Son of God and in his salvation. Yes; my burden, guilt, and bondage, were gone, all was well between God and my soul. I was baptized by the late Mr. Dymond, of Hilperton, and was afterwards a deacon at Hilperton for many years.”
For the past three or four years he preached at some of the Baptist churches, till affliction prevented.
For many months his sufferings were great. As regards his affliction, I visited him most days when at home. He often told me he was firm upon the Rock. He was not tried as to his interest in Christ, but wanted to enjoy more of the sensible presence of the Lord in his soul. I generally, for some weeks before his death, read some part of God’s word and spoke in prayer with him, which he seemed to enjoy. He wished me to speak after his death from, “By the grace of God I am what I am.”
When I saw him on Thursday and Friday, he felt more at liberty in his soul. As I was from home, I did not see him again alive. The friends who were with him told me the Lord appeared to him in the night before he died, so that he was enabled to bless and praise the Lord.
One friend said, “You are very ill.” “Yes,” he said, “but I don’t think it is death.” “What,” she said, “is it so sweet?” He said, “The Gospel bears my spirit up, and this note shall swell.” But his voice faltered. He said more; but could not be understood owing to his weakness.
He was quite sensible when he departed, and put up his hand to show all was right.
Hilperton, Sept. 17th, 1867
William Ferris
Mr. Gingell (1807-1867) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served many years as a deacon for the church meeting at Hilperton, Wiltshire. For the last several years of his life, he exercised a preaching ministry.
