Apart from those who attend chapels where the "Gadsby Hymn Books" is used, the name of William Gadsby is little known. Yet in his day, his popularity as a preacher was immense. Said J.C.Philpot, "His sermons were not skimmed milk, or London sky blue, but were rich in unction, savor and power, and possessed a fullness and depth such as we find in no other reported sermons that we have seen." It was in 1835 that he and his son John began the Gospel Standard magazine seeking to comfort, instruct and edify the flock of Christ. More than 150 years later, the publication continues.