And ye are Christ’s

William Gadsby (1773-1844) was a minister of the Strict and Particular Baptists in England. For 38 years he was pastor of the Strict Baptist church at Manchester, England. He was the first editor of The Gospel Standard periodical. He compiled a selection of hymns (including many of his own) and published them in a hymnbook entitled A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship in 1814. It is one of the oldest English hymnbooks still used for congregational worship.

Gadsby was the son of John Gadsby and Martha Lingard, born January 3, 1773 in Warwickshire. In 1793 he was baptized by the Particular Baptist church at Cow Lane in Coventry. He was ordained in 1800 and became the pastor of St. Georges Road Particular Baptist Chapel in 1805. Gadsby died January 27, 1844 at age 71 and was buried at the Rusholme Road Cemetery in Manchester. For more information on William Gadsby and his hymnbook, see the doctoral dissertations “Engaging the Heart: Orthodoxy and Experimentalism in William Gadsby’s A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship,” by Deborah A. Ruhl.

The hymn, in 7s. meter, focuses on and emphasizes the safety and security of the believe who is in Christ. Those who lean upon Jesus can rest safe in Jesus. Gadsby’s theology can be described as “high Calvinism” but not “dry Calvinism.” He was a strong proponent of experimental religion, or experientialism.

“And ye are Christ’s.” 1 Cor. 3:23; Rom. 14:8

1. Sinners who on Jesus rest,
Must eternally be blest;
All Jehovah’s love can give,
They from Jesus shall receive.

2. Loved of God, to Jesus given,
In the purposes of heaven;
They are bought with blood divine,
And they must in glory shine.

3. They are Jesus’ flesh and bone,
Nor from him shall e’er be torn;
Can a part be sent to hell,
And the whole in Zion dwell?

4. No! we bless the Lord on high,
Not a single joint can die;
Every member lives in him;
He’s the life of every limb.

5. They are Christ’s by ties divine;
Here his brightest glories shine;
All creation must give place
To the subjects of his grace.

6. Matchless Jesus! may we be
Wholly taken up with thee!
And, in every deep distress,
Lean upon thy truth and grace.