WILLIAM GADSBY
Bitesize biographies series
By Ian J. Shaw
EP Books. 128 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 0 852 349 311
William Gadsby’s name is greeted with fear by some, indifference by many, veneration by a handful, and ignorance by most.
160 years after his death, when churches who still love this theology and these hymns are so few, it’s high time that the wider church learned the incredible story of this godly man and learned the lessons of his Christ-exalting life.
Ian Shaw knows his subject well (some will in appreciate his excellent High Calvinists Action, OUP, 2003). In under 150 pages Shaw tells Gadsby’s story, from his poverty and conversion, through his attempts at learning to read and his first sermons, then through the 40 years’ ministry in Manchester. He was marked by a deep concern for the urban poor he served, and a fervent conviction that the Word of God must rule every area of life, including the rights of workers and the conscience of the nation.
Whether preaching, visiting, assisting in church planting or speaking at political meetings, we meet Gadsby the man of action, whose faith and courage were equal to the tasks God gave him. Most moving are the scenes we glimpse of Gadsby’s astonishing generosity, giving often beyond his means to help others in crisis. And 25 years of his ministry were conducted whilst nursing his wife who suffered with acute mental ill-health.
Ian Shaw’s biography is alive to Gadsby’s imperfections and an excellent chapter closes the book, assessing what can be learned and what left aside from the story of this great man of God. Highly recommended.
