A dedication to his congregation at Harborough is prefixed to this Treatise, from which we make the following extract:—
My dear Friends,—You have, in the following pages, the result of a free and serious inquiry into the Scripture doctrine of Christian baptism. After reading many controversial tracts on the mode and subjects of this ordinance, I found myself obliged to examine the sacred pages before I could be thoroughly satisfied either as to the manner or time of life in which it ought to be administered. Previous to this inquiry, I endeavoured to divest myself of every prejudice, and determined to follow the truth whithersoever it might lead me. Far be it from me to assert that I have nowhere mistaken the language of the Holy Spirit in the several passages that either give an account of the administration of Christian baptism or tend to explain the nature and design of the institution; but this I hope I can say, that I have endeavoured to enter into the true meaning of them, and have explained them in a sense that appears to me (upon the maturest consideration) most consistent and scriptural. I think myself obliged to tell you, that the inquiry has afforded me abundant satisfaction. The reasons for our practice of baptising children, and that by sprinkling or pouring of water, appear to me now in a much stronger light than before; and I am more fully convinced than ever that the specious objections that are thrown out against it have no solid foundation in reason or the word of God.
This is dated, Harborough, September 6th, 1770.
The interval was not very long from the resignation of Mr. Addington to the settlement of Mr. Gill, as Mr. Addington's resignation is dated August 12, 1781, and Mr. Gill commenced his labours in the early part of 1782. During the interval the pulpit was supplied by neighbouring ministers, and the students from the academy at Daventry; among the latter of whom was Mr. Belsham, afterwards recognized as the champion of Socinianism. The principal candidates were Mr. Bennett, who afterwards settled at Kiderminster; Mr. Cooke, who finally settled at Halifax; and a Mr. Severn. During this state of indecision, Mr. Garner, in his travels into Yorkshire, heard of Mr. Gill, who, being highly recommended as an excellent man, was introduced to the Church at Harborough.
Mr. Gill was a native of Netherthong, a small village near Holesfirth, in Yorkshire. He was educated at the academy at Heckmondwicke, and commenced his labours at Swanland, not far from Hull. After a residence of about eight or nine years in that place, he was invited to the pastoral office over this Church and congregation. Mr. Gill's acceptance of the invitation is dated March 22nd, 1782. Mr. Gill continued his labours after this union for a long period, with honour to himself and benefit to others. He was permitted to preach the Gospel to them for more than six-and-thirty years, while he lived among them for at least half a century. A paralytic affection rendered it necessary that he should retire from his labours and resign his charge, in the year 1818. In the interval between this period and his death, he was, with the exception of the time he spent at Coventry with a son, regular in his attendance at the Meeting where he had ministered; and though all the powers of his mind were much impaired, his relish for the word was undiminished, and his habits of devotion never left him to his dying hour.
This holy and venerable servant of God breathed his last at the house of his son-in-law, Mr. French, of Great Bowden, on the evening of February 2nd, 1832, at the age of 79. He was buried in the ground connected with the Meeting, when Mr. Wild delivered the funeral oration; Mr. Bicknell, of Crick, and Mr. Robertson, of Wellingborough, engaged in prayer; Mr. Chater, of Kibworth, giving out the hymns. His funeral sermon was preached on the Sabbath following, by Mr. Scott, of Rowell, from Acts xi. 24: "He was a good man," &c. (the character of Barnabas). During the ministry of Mr. Gill 248 members were added to the Church.
Having some recollections of Mr. Gill's person and ministry, from having heard him a few times in the latter part of his labours, in his own place of worship and in neighbouring places, we should describe him as rather above the middle stature; very grave in his aspect; his manners gentle and kind; his spirit devotional and fervent; always serious in his work; his matter plain, pious, experimental, decidedly evangelical in sentiment: his voice was not of great compass. Mr. Gill was not distinguished by grasp of mind, power of reasoning, depth of thought, or extent of information. His powers, whether natural or acquired, were not of a high order. His case shows us what may be done by the weight of character, fervent consistent piety, without superior mental endowments, in filling a respectable station with credit and usefulness. Mr. Gill was considered to be exemplary in visiting his flock, and to this was added the care of a considerable boarding-school, which he had for a number of years; and our impression is, that more time was spent in such engagements than could comport with the efficient discharge of the duties of the pulpit. Hence we fear, from what was manifested in the state of the Church and congregation after his retirement, that the result of his labours was not of the most satisfactory kind.
On the resignation of Mr. Gill, Mr. Jukes, now of Bedford, supplied Harborough for many months with great acceptance. Mr. Francis, of Lancaster, also came as a candidate for a short time.
Mr. Gear, now of Bradford, Wiltshire, then a student at Hoxton Academy, succeeded as a probationer, and was invited by a large majority to take the oversight of the Church. The want of entire unanimity led Mr. Gear at first to decline accepting the invitation; but, upon its being renewed, he ultimately complied with the call, and was ordained to the pastoral office in October, 1822. The ministers engaged were Messrs. Notcutt, of Wilbarston, now of Ipswich; Robertson, of Stretton, afterwards of Wellingborough; Maslem, of Hertford, Mr. Gear's pastor; Dr. Harris, of Hoxton, Mr. Gear's tutor; Scott, of Rowell, now tutor of Airedale Academy; Green, of Uppingham; and Roberts, of Melton.
Mr. Gear continued his labours at Harborough until the year 1830, when, not finding that concord and good feeling between him and the people necessary for each other's mutual advantage and happiness, he complied with an invitation he received from Bradford, in Wiltshire. Letters were addressed to him signed by 375 persons, urging his stay at Harborough, but he declined to do so. After his departure, a handsome gift of plate was presented to him, as a memorial of esteem and affection from his numerous friends.