The Gospel Standard Magazine was originated by John Gadsby (1808-1893) in 1835 with the assistance and support of his father, William Gadsby (1773-1844). The magazine was commenced to contend for the doctrines of grace, but especially for the necessity and gracious, sanctifying effect of the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and lives of the Lord's people. It also advocated believer's baptism and strict communion. The preaching of such men as William Gadsby, John Warburton, John Kershaw and J. C. Philpot (one of the first editors of the magazine) stood out against the more moderate and general Calvinism which, along with the infusion of a dry and legal spirit, was beginning to appear in Baptist churches. As one old, well-tried Christian exclaimed of Mr Gadsby’s ministry, "It is not a new doctrine - but the old, preached with life and power." The circulation of the magazine grew rapidly and was much appreciated by many who found it an interpreter of their experience and proved the Lord's blessing on it. In the early 1860s the editor, J. C. Philpot, gave a most gracious defence of the doctrine of the Eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus, concerning which there had been many errors propagated and which resulted in a division among the Strict Baptist churches.
It was as a result of this division that many of the Strict Baptist churches began to align themselves with the Gospel Standard Magazine and have become known as Gospel Standard Baptists. Thus a list of Gospel Standard churches appeared; there are about 115 at the present time including those from overseas. The Gospel Standard is still published and is currently edited by B. A. Ramsbottom. The Gospel Standard Trust came into existence in 1966, principally to provide legal and financial assistance to churches associated with the Gospel Standard and to publish books contending for the same precious truths for which our forebears stood.
The Friendly Companion Magazine was begun in the mid 1860s by John Gadsby as a magazine for children. After a rather uncertain start it has been published regularly for many years alongside the Gospel Standard and today is edited by Gerald D. Buss, pastor of the Old Baptist Chapel, Chippenham, Wiltshire.
It was as a result of this division that many of the Strict Baptist churches began to align themselves with the Gospel Standard Magazine and have become known as Gospel Standard Baptists. Thus a list of Gospel Standard churches appeared; there are about 115 at the present time including those from overseas. The Gospel Standard is still published and is currently edited by B. A. Ramsbottom. The Gospel Standard Trust came into existence in 1966, principally to provide legal and financial assistance to churches associated with the Gospel Standard and to publish books contending for the same precious truths for which our forebears stood.
The Friendly Companion Magazine was begun in the mid 1860s by John Gadsby as a magazine for children. After a rather uncertain start it has been published regularly for many years alongside the Gospel Standard and today is edited by Gerald D. Buss, pastor of the Old Baptist Chapel, Chippenham, Wiltshire.
A Brief History of the Gospel Standard