John Gill was born at Kettering, Northamptonshire, England on November 23, 1697. His father, Edward, was a Baptist, but at the time was a member of a union church composed of Presbyterians, Congregationalists and Baptists. This proved to be an untenable situation, and the Baptists moved out and started a church of their own, and Edward was made a deacon.
Of course, you hear me quote John Gill over and over again. The man was probably a genius, but one who had been saved by the grace of God. However, smart as he was, there were things about him of which we would undoubtedly disagree. Nevertheless, I will continue to consult his books and quote him from time to time.
My impression of Gill is probably not very accurate, and we’ll never know the true nature of that man until we spend time with him in Glory, and even then he’ll probably run in an higher company than we will. I picture him as austere and serious, but there is an anecdote which has been falsely ascribed to C.H. Spurgeon but which actually came out of an incident from Gill’s life.
The story goes that a woman came to Pastor Gill and said that she had something against him, considering it her duty to reprove him. “Well, my good lady, what is the difficulty?” “Why sir, I don’t like your ties.” “Ah,” said he, “I have never thought anything about them. I will get a pair of scissors, and will thank you to cut off as much as you think best.” She replied, “I hope you will not be offended.” “Not at all, Madam.” Without ceremony she cut quite a large section off the tie and handed back the scissors. He said, “Are you satisfied now? Look again and see. Perhaps you had better cut off a little more while we still have the scissors. ” Perhaps I can still improve it,” she said and cut off a little bit more.
“Well, my sister,” Brother Gill finally said. “I must now tell you I have something against you.” “Have you, sir? What is it?” Madam, I think your tongue is rather too long, and you had better let me cut off a piece of it.”
John Gill was ordained to the ministry on this day in the year 1720.