It must have been the hardest funeral John Gill (1697-1771) conducted in his fifty-one years serving as pastor of the Baptist Church at Goat Yard Chapel (yep, it’s a real name) in England. Family and friends gathered on the afternoon of June 4, 1736, to mourn the passing of Elizabeth, John’s twelve-year-old daughter, who died of an unspecified illness. John prefaced his remarks by reading from 1 Thessalonians, “We do not grieve like those who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4.13). He introduced his sermon with the words, “I need not tell you what the occasion is in reading these words to you at this time.” Yet he never once mentioned Elizabeth by name in his sermon. Perhaps it was too emotional for him, since he added personal reflections about her later when his remarks were printed. How different in our time! Given the loss of transcendent meaning, our common culture has turned funerals into elaborate celebrations of the deceased. He continued, “You must permit me this afternoon to preach to myself and my family, though I hope what may be delivered will be of some service to you also.” The heart of Gill’s message centered on a believer’s union with Christ. While body and soul are broken at death, it cannot sever our union with Christ. Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ, not even death (Romans 8.35-39). John faithfully served the people under his charge for a half-century. He not only officiated at his daughter’s funeral but also his wife’s passing, and several children born to them who didn’t survive infancy. Faith calls us to do hard things in God’s strength. Today, we give thanks for believers like John Gill, who bear witness to Christ in trying times:
John Gill
You have surrounded us, gracious God, with a great cloud of witnesses. We praise you for believers from all times and places who inspire us to love and serve you with renewed passion. We draw strength from their courage under fire. We are humbled by their selfless acts of service. We marvel at their perseverance in the face of adversity. Their prayers have sustained us when our words fail. In your mercy, give us, as you grant to all the faithful, your abiding presence and never-failing power. We will fix our eyes on Jesus, our pioneer, and perfector in faith. Amen.
“A Summary of the Life, Writings, and Character of the late Reverend and Learned John Gill,” The Reformed Reader.
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.