William Gadsby

William Gadsby (1773-1844) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher, writer and philanthropist. For thirty-nine years served as pastor for the church meeting at Black Lane, Manchester.

William Gadsby Sermons (Complete)
William Gadsby Hymns
William Gadsby, Perfect Law Of Liberty (Complete)
William Gadsby's Catechism (Complete)
William Gadsby's Dialogues
William Gadsby's Fragments (Complete)
William Gadsby's Letters (Complete)

  • William Gadsby's Letters (Complete)

    Only Gone Before

    My dear Friends in the glorious Head of the Church,—Your kind letter came to hand, with the tidings of the death of our dear brother Martin. Well; all his storms are over, ours cannot last long, and each one leaves the number less. Our blessed Lord will not let us have one trouble too many; no, nor let them be too boisterous or last too long; and he will see to it that all shall work together for good. Our dear covenant God cannot make any mistakes, nor suffer anything to do his blood-bought family any real harm. From self and self-dependence he will deliver us, although flesh and blood will often sigh and groan, yea, and kick and rebel, too, under and at the…

  • William Gadsby's Fragments (Complete)

    Christ The Believer’s Breakwater

    Being A Few Poetical Remarks, Occasioned By A Visit To The Breakwater, In Plymouth Sound, On The 30th Of January, 1822. “The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid; the depths also were troubled."—Psalm 77:16 On Wednesday last, a pleasant day. When winds did not their force display, The sea assumed a gentle form, Nor did the sky denote a storm, The Breakwater I went to view, A bulwark great and useful too. The day began and finish'd bright, And truly 'twas a pleasant sight. Amidst the ocean I could stand, And view the deep on either hand. With friends I spent six hours or more, Who show'd all kindness in their power. Upon the Breakwater we walk'd, Look'd round,…

  • William Gadsby's Letters (Complete)

    Hard Work Made Easy

    Dear Friend,—Yours came to hand, and I have just time to say that I intend, God willing, to be at P. on September 21st, and if I can be conveyed from there to G. on October 1st, I will very gladly come; but I must be at L. the day following. I dare not attempt to preach more than three times in the week days,[1] as too much exertion brings the jaundice upon me; so I am obliged to preach less, or lay myself upon the shelf. No thanks to me; for when I enjoy my dear Lord in his work, it is sweet employment indeed; but when Christ is not enjoyed, it is very hard work. Indeed, I do not find any work but…

  • William Gadsby's Fragments (Complete)

    The New Law

    In the Gospel Standard for 1839, amongst the “Gleanings” was one, attributed to Mr. Gadsby: “The old covenant they broke, and the old law they broke, and break; but they cannot break the new covenant, neither can they break the new law.” In reply to this, the next month, Mr. Gadsby wrote: “Messrs. Editors,—In your number for this month (January), page 24, amongst your gleanings, is a remark to which the signature 'W. G.' is put, which I altogether deny as ever falling from my lips, It is that the believer 'cannot break the new law.' I believe that the blessed Lord writes the glorious substance of every divine law in the hearts of his people, and that the covenant of works they have awfully…

  • William Gadsby's Letters (Complete)

    This God Is Our God Forever And Ever

    Dear Brother (Martin) in the glorious Lord of Zion,—It appears the Lord has thought good to deprive you of your natural sight, which is a painful affliction; but, adored be his gracious name, he gives you the sweet enjoyment of the true Light. This, my dear brother, is more prizable than all creation put together. What an indescribable blessing it is that such filthy creatures as we are by nature should be brought, under the glorious unction of God the Holy Ghost, to feel and see that the Lord is our portion, our life, light, bliss, and blessedness; yea, our ever-to-be-adored covenant God for ever and ever; and that, by a matchless gift of eternal electing love and grace, he has made himself over to…

  • William Gadsby's Fragments (Complete)

    A Dream

    “And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.”—Genesis 37:12 Reader, I'll not take up much time To apologise, in prose or rhyme; My dream, such as it is, you see; Whate'er's amiss belongs to me. No doubt some men will say, "'Tis naught, And with enthusiasm fraught;" While others will it much esteem, And nay that I the truth, did dream. Perhaps 'twill find a welcome place, In such as live on sovereign grace; If so, then am I quite content, Nor shall I count my time ill spent; But such as live on wit and self, Will hardly have it on their shelf, But with a cheerful mind attempt To hold it up to vain contempt. Well, be it so; I rest secure;…