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Guide to the Bulletins

Sacramental Church versus Nonconformity
Geoffrey Williams and Lewis Lupton
This booklet being the first Bulletin of the Society stills serves two purposes. It defines the context and development of Nonconformity in the context of a wider Christian history. Secondly it underlines the rationale of the Society in its own historical context. Christian history is briefly summarised as a comparison between the Sacramental Church characterised by its institutions and relationship to the State. This is contrasted with that of the Nonconformist tradition and its emphasis on the experience of individual believers. From its earliest beginnings our Baptist heritage is traced through its growth in the seventeenth century during the Civil War, decline in the eighteenth and rapid growth in the nineteenth with the example of William Gadsby and associates.Order this booklet
The Field of Blessing: Henry Williams - Welsh Baptist
Lewis Lupton
This short article tells of some events in the life of Henry Williams, assistant minister to Vavasor Powell, the Welsh Evangelist. The major part of this article is reprinted from a sketch of Williams published in a book of the life of Vavasor Powell by David Davies. As a member of Powell's church, Williams was of the habit of taking notes of the sermons he heard. From these notes Williams would fill a vacant pulpit when the situation arose. From 1660 when Powell was taken into custody Williams became pastor of the church at Newtown. Through the 1660s Williams was persecuted for his beliefs and physically attacks. The subtitle of this article 'The Field of Blessing' relates to a story of a field of wheat that cropped abundantly on Williams's farm after a great loss sustained after one attack. The crop enabled Williams to recover his losses.Order this booklet
Church History and Strict Baptist Origins
Charles Breed
This is an introductory article setting Strict Baptists into their place in Church History. It begins by outlining the political and religious background to seventeenth century England. The influence of the Bible on those that could read was significant as it was in many cases their sole reading source, and hence was most significant in shaping their thoughts of those early Strict Baptists. The documented story of the Baptists begins in England in 1633 under the leadership of John Spilsbury. From these beginnings in less than 30 years there were 131 Particular Baptist churches in existence in England.Order this booklet
Vavasor Powell - Puritan Welsh Baptist
Lewis F Lupton
Vavasor Powell was born in 1617 in Knuclas in Wales. In the opening stages of the Civil War, Powell is found in London. In 1646 he returned to Wales as a Puritan and is credited with forming 20 churches. In 1650 he was back in London preaching to Parliament. As a result of preaching against Oliver Cromwell in 1653 he found himself arrested. By 1655 he was a Baptist, but spent the last ten years of his life to 1670 in prison and is buried in Bunhill Fields.Order this booklet
Some reflections on the writing of Strict Baptist history
Ian Sellers
This article from the early years of the society is an outline of a proposed approach to the writing of a definitive history of the Strict Baptists, which for the next 40 years was to remain a gap in the wider Baptist history. Examining existing chapel histories would also contribute to our understanding. Although the article does not in itself answer a specific question, it does provide a pr‚cis of the main issues and themes of Strict Baptist history. The article is supplemented by a snapshot of Strict Baptist churches in England in 1966 drawn from the various denominational lists.Order this booklet
The Library
Kenneth Dix
Looking back at the Society's library to 1966 demonstrates the progress that has been made in stock, the range of material and the library premises itself. It records the efforts of the Society's second librarian Kenneth Dix. In the 1960s the library was located in the premises of the Ebenezer Chapel, Fulham.Order this booklet
Andrew Gifford (1642 - 1721)
Robert Oliver
This article was intended as a preview of the then (1966) forthcoming publication of the book 'Wiltshire and the West'. It became the fifth volume in the series of histories of the Strict Baptist Chapels of England published by the Society. The scene is set with a summary of the Strict Baptist history in the west of England, the counties of Gloucester, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Significantly Andrew Gifford was born in Bristol in 1642, the first year of the Civil War. At about the age of 16 he was baptised and became a member of the Baptist church at Fryers in Bristol. Like many other Baptists following the return of the Stuart monarchy Gifford found himself in prison four times. Gifford played a significant role in the formation of many churches in the west of England. The historian Joseph Ivimey described Andrew Gifford as the "Apostle of the West". In his later years he was active in promoting union between the churches and especially the Western Union.Order this booklet
William Kiffin (1616-1701)
Hugh Wrigley
The author introduces Kiffin as a boy in London orphaned by the Plague. Moving from the Church of England to the Independents and subsequently a Baptist in John Spilsbury's church. By 1644 he had become pastor of the Devonshire Square Church in London. A summary of Kiffin's life is given which is written rather than from a chronological view but from the aspects of controversy, evangelism, writings, as a Church Leader, his suffering and an insight into his life as an Member of Parliament and tax assessor. Kiffin lived through the changes in seventeenth century England and died in 1701. Until recently his contribution to the development of Baptist life has not been well recorded.
This Bulletin also contains a line drawing of the Zion Chapel, Trowbridge in a notice about the then (1967) forthcoming publication of 'Wiltshire and the West', as history of Strict Baptist Chapels in the region by Robert Oliver based on the manuscripts of Ralph F Chambers.
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The dangers of a successful ministry - James Wells
Robert Oliver
Subtitled 'The life, teaching and influence of James Wells', this is a biographical account of a man who for over 40 years was pastor of the Surrey Tabernacle preaching to congregations of over 2000. He was born in 1803 in Alton, Hampshire. About 1825 he joined a church in Chelsea under the care of Robert Upton, but by 1832 was preaching himself at the rented premises of the Surrey Tabernacle. Congregations grew resulting in rebuilding and eventually relocating to a new building in 1865 in Wansey Street. Wells was never far from controversy, either with his neighbour Charles Haddon Spurgeon (at the Metropolitan Tabernacle less than half a mile away) or in the pages of the Earthen Vessel. Theologically Wells was a Hyper-Calvinist in the footsteps of Gill and Gadsby. Why was Wells important in Strict Baptist history? He seldom preached without attacking "duty faith", he was always biblical in his approach and preached on whole passages in context. Wells died in 1872 and despite their differences C H Spurgeon wrote to Wells during his last illness and attended his funeral at the Surrey Tabernacle.Order this booklet
A study in the life of Benjamin Beddome
Kenneth Dix
Benjamin Beddome was born in 1717, this booklet deals with one chapter in his life. Beddome became pastor of the church at Bourton on the Water in 1743 and remained there for over 50 years until his death in 1795. The issues considered here are two invitations to Beddome to move to new pastorates in Bristol and London. The first came in 1748 when his father invited him to become assistant minister at the Pithay church in Bristol. The second attempt came in 1750 from the Little Prescott Street Chapel, Wapping recently vacant as a result of the death of its former pastor Samuel Wilson. Beddome was well known to this church since in 1743 he had been baptised by Samuel Wilson whilst attending Little Prescott Street during a period away from Bristol Baptist College at the Independent Academy in London. The various letters between the parties on these two occasions is reproduced. Beddome played a significant role in the development of the Western Baptist Association and was a major influence in the life of John Collett Ryland.Order this booklet
Northamptonshire Baptist Association and OlneyThis booklet gives a summary of the earliest beginnings of the Northamptonshire Baptist Association founded in 1765. Among the original twelve members were Robert Hall of Arnsby, Moses Deacon of Walgrave, John Brown of Kettering, William Walker of Olney and Thomas Hull of Carlton. From the first meeting the Association produced a circular letter to all its churches. The first was printed in 1766 written by Moses Deacon and reproduced in full. Annual meetings also read letters from the member churches and extracts from one written by the Church at Carlton, Bedfordshire in 1775 is reproduced. Also included is the Covenant of Olney Baptist Church, one of the member churches. This collection of documents gives a view of Particular Baptist life in the late eighteenth century. It was from this Association that the prayer call of 1784 was issued, William Carey emerged as the first Baptist Missionary and in 1792 formed 'The Society for the propagation of the gospel among the heathen'.Order this booklet
Limey Leach and Cheesden Pasture, Lancashire
B A Ramsbottom
The subtitle to this booklet reads "The hitherto unpublished story of a remarkable group of godly men and women hidden away on the Lancashire moors in the last century and associated with the ministry of John Kershaw". This article provides an in depth study of the lives an experiences of a number of families associated with a group of chapels in Lancashire. The material is assembled from several sources including the records of Hope Chapel, Rochdale and the Gospel Standard magazine. The families featured are set in the nineteenth century and include Rothwell, Ramsbottom, James, Crabtree, and chapels Park Independent Chapel, Limey Leach, Cheesden Pasture Mill, Cave Adullam, Haslingden. John Kershaw (1792 - 1870) had become pastor at Hope Chapel in 1817, both he and Thomas Clough (1817 - 1879) ministered in this area.Order this booklet
Joseph lvimey and the forming of the Baptist Union
J C Doggett
This booklet is both a biographical study of Joseph Ivimey (1773 - 1834) and a brief account of the beginnings of the Baptist Union. Born in Ringwood, Hampshire, Ivimey first attended an Independent Chapel in Ringwood but later walked regularly to a Baptist Chapel at Wimborne, Dorset. He was baptised in 1790 by John Saffrey. After several moves to he found himself in Portsea, Hampshire where he began preaching. After a short period in his first pastorate at Wallingford he was invited to Eagle Street, London in 1805. Ivimey is well known for his History of the English Baptists in four volumes published between 1811 and 1830. He also had an interest in the Particular Baptist Missionary Society and joined the committee in 1812. The story of the Baptist Union for Ivimey begins in 1809 with the publication of The Baptist Magazine of which Ivimey was a frequent contributor. It was Ivimey's vision and writings in the magazine that led to the inaugural meeting of a General Assembly in 1812 at the premises of the Dutch Church, Austin Friars. The following day the Union was constituted at the Carter Lane chapel of John Rippon. By 1832 the Union had moved away from its Calvinistic position and under a new secretary Joseph Belcher the Union was reorganised and the Articles of its constitution changed. Ivimey died in 1834.Order this booklet
Particular Baptists and Strict Baptists - An historical survey
Kenneth Dix
This booklet is a comprehensive summary of the origins and differentiation between Strict and Particular Baptists. It contains an extensive list of notes to sources used, which provide a useful starting point for further research. The article attempts to clarify the views of the various groups on Particular Redemption, Calvinism and communion. Starting with the Particular Baptists their path is followed through to the mid nineteenth century covering the personalities of William Kiffin, John Gill, John Brine, William Button, John Collett Ryland, Andrew Fuller and Charles Haddon Spurgeon. On several issues these individuals were not unanimous in their position and this was a changing position as evidenced by the Calvinistically based Baptist Union formed in 1812 has changed into a very different organisation. The Strict Baptists even late in the eighteenth century were not a clearly definable group as some Particular Baptist churches practised Strict Communion. In the early nineteenth century this became clearer with the views of William Gadsby and John Stevens amongst others. However grouping around the principle of Strict Communion also had its problems as there were differing views on "duty faith" or Fullerism championed in London by John Foreman. From the 1830s the Strict Baptist churches can largely be grouped around the various denominational magazines and the lists of churches and ministers they containÿGospel Standardÿ(1835),ÿThe Gospel Heraldÿ(1833),ÿThe Earthen Vesselÿ(1845),ÿThe Christian's Pathwayÿ(1896) andÿGraceÿ(1970).Out of print, but replaced by Kenneth Dix's new bookÿSTRICT AND PARTICULAR - English Strict and Particular Baptists in the Nineteenth century
Samuel Medley - Preacher, Pastor, Poet (1738-1799)
B A Ramsbottom
This booklet presents a comprehensive history of the life of Samuel Medley (1738 - 1799). Growing up in London the story of Medley begins with him at the age of 17 as a seaman in the Royal Navy. A serious injury whilst Britain was at war with France brought an end to his career in the Navy. On his path of recovery he finds himself in the presence of Andrew Gifford pastor of Eagle Street Particular Baptist chapel in London where he was baptised in 1760. He set up a school at Seven Dials in London. On the encouragement of his church he began preaching in 1766 and in 1767 became pastor of Watford Particular Baptist church. BY 1772 we find him in Liverpool as the pastor of a small church in Byrom Street. By 1789 it was time to rebuild a larger chapel in Bryom Street where Samuel Medley remained until his death in 1799. The booklet goes on to consider aspects of Medley's life as a preacher, a pastor and poet. Also included is a complete extract of the minutes a church meeting at the Bryom Street, Liverpool on 3rdÿSeptember 1772 which records in detail the selection, arrival and induction of Samuel Medley as pastor of the church.Order this booklet
The immediate pre-history of the English Particular Baptists
Peter Hallihan
By pre-history the author covers the period up to the early seventeenth century. The story however begins in Europe with the Continental Anabaptists. Like many religious groups this was a name that evolved out of a term of accusation or abuse being dissidents of "baptising-again" or "ana-baptists". In England in the late sixteenth century to trail moves to the English Separatists. The first clearly identifiable group was in Norwich led by Robert Browne and Robert Harrison in 1580. A group from one of these London separatist churches moved to Amsterdam in 1595. In 1596 this twin-church published 'A True Confession' which subsequently became the foundation of the first Particular Baptist Confession of 1644. A similar situation arose in Lincolnshire where a group left for Amsterdam in 1608. It was this group that under the leadership of Thomas Helwys in 1611 published their declaration of faith and returned to England to form the General Baptist movement. Further groups evolved, leading ultimately to the publication of the 1644 London Confession.
Also includes a reprint of a letter from Abraham Booth to Mr Pelling dated 13 January 1794, from theÿBaptist MagazineÿSeptember 1820 and an article entitled 'Monday Morning' from theÿBaptist MagazineÿApril 1830.
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Baptists in fellowship (1630 - 1660)
Kenneth Dix
This is a detailed review of the relationships between Baptist churches through their Associations in England during and immediately after the period of the Civil War. This is significant because it demonstrates that a diversity of activity and practise was evident from the records that exist, primarily the Association Records of the Particular Baptists in England and Wales in 1660. The booklet commences with a review of the Early Baptist Confessions. After the end of the Civil War the new political situation and consequent religious freedom led to a flourishing of Baptist churches. Examples are drawn from the Associations' records of the pattern and content of their meetings, which are categorised into doctrinal questions, church practice and personal practice. The booklet concludes with a discussion of the practical aspects of fellowship between the churches and the platform that these Associations became to facilitate this.Order this booklet
John Fawcett and the education of ministers
Stephanie Wright
Rather than a biography of John Fawcett, this booklet concentrates on his vision for the formal training of Baptist ministers in the north of England. In his early years Fawcett had met regularly with Henry Foster who intended joining the Anglican ministry and Dan Taylor the future leader of the General Baptist New Connexion. No doubt this breadth of theological training helped in his future career. From early in his ministerial career at Wainsgate he looked out for other potential young ministers for training. One significantly was John Sutcliff, future minister of Olney, Buckinghamshire, influential member of the Northamptonshire Baptist Association and the Baptist Missionary Society as well as running his own ministerial academy. The article traces the work of Fawcett's own academy. The story concludes (but opens a new chapter in ministerial education) thirty years after Fawcett's work began with the founding of the Northern Baptist Education Society.Order this booklet
The Diary of John Giles of EythornExtracts from the diary of the Rev John Giles (1758 - 1827) who from 1793 was minister of Eythorn Baptist Church, Kent. His diary covers the period January 1787 to April 1824. A full transcript is available in the Society's library and extends to 144 A4 pages. A short selection from 30th December 1788 to 25thÿJanuary 1789 is reproduced; these include references to John Rippon.Order this booklet
Anabaptist suffering
Kenneth Dix
From 1525 this booklet records some of the history of Anabaptists in Europe, particularly in Austria, Germany and Holland. The commitment and subsequent torture endured by the Anabaptists is drawn from the works of Menno Simons, 'Martyrs Mirror' and also 'The Chronicles of the Hutterian Brethren' and the 'Hutterian Confession'.Order this booklet
The Huguenots
Colin L Mann
One of the associations the author of this booklet had with Huguenots was during his professional career as a partner of church architects' practice in London. This brought him into buildings that owed their history to Huguenot refugees in the capital. The story traces the origins of the French Protestants under persecution during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The events move to England when in 1685 the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes led to large numbers leaving France for England. They were made welcome and particularly after 1688 when William of Orange appointed a committee to look into the needs of the French immigrants. Active encouragement by means of a grant led to more Protestants arriving in England. Soon they distributed themselves across the south of England often in groups based on their craft skills. Their main desire to come to England was their desire to worship freely and in this they were encouraged with provision of buildings for their use or to share with another church. Although Protestant not all were nonconformist, some adopted a French version of the Church of England's ordinances. Through the eighteenth century thoughts of returning to France were forgotten and slowly the Huguenots merged into English society and with it their individual churches declined.Order this booklet
William Carey's Enquiry (major selection)
William Carey
Although not a complete facsimile of William Carey's 'An enquiry into the obligations of Christians to use means for the conversion of the heathens', this booklet includes the majority of Carey's original work. The major exclusion being Section III which included the tables of the countries of the world, their population and religious allegiance. After over 200 years of scholarly review of Carey's work, what still is clear is Carey's vision and practicalities considered in respect of the work that he was subsequently to undertake.Order this booklet
Strict Baptist attitudes towards duty faith in the 19th century
Robert W Oliver
This booklet is a survey of the evolving views towards "duty faith" during the nineteenth century and the part play by key figures. Duty faith described by John Foreman who appears on the cover of the booklet, as "the duty of all men, where the Gospel comes, to repent and believe unto salvation . . . " It is a complex history and starts with a review of the seventeenth century Baptist statements of faith which continues in the eighteenth century with the publication of Matthias Morris's 'A Modern Question Modestly Answered' and the influence of John Brine and Dr John Gill. At the close of the eighteenth century the writings of Jonathan Edwards began to shape some Baptist thinking, contributed to by Andrew Fuller with his 'Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation'. In the nineteenth century these views were opposed in many quarters byOrder this booklet
C. H. Spurgeon: The Prince of Preachers
Robert Sheehan
For a man for whom so much has been written it must have been a challenge to write a concise portrait. The author justifies his consideration of Charles Haddon Spurgeon on account of his Particular Baptist principles. The issues discussed are why did Spurgeon preach, how he preached, what he preached and how can the effectiveness of Spurgeon be explained. Measured in one way, the impact of a man addressing 23,000 hearers at Crystal Palace was notable. What was more significant was that he saw an increase in church membership every month throughout his life. Between 1854 and 1864 3,600 new members added to his church. His preaching ministry extended for nearly 40 years.Order this booklet
18th century Baptist hymnody and Evangelical Experience
Roger Hayden
This booklet provides an overview of the development of hymnody in Baptist Churches. From the late seventeenth century this path was not a smooth one, however by the mid eighteenth century the first Baptist hymn book was published. It was from the 1690s that Baptist had hymnwriters in their midst from Benjamin Keach in 1691 and Joseph Stennett in 1697. Baptist also looked outside their ranks to Isaac Watts and Philip Doddridge. This first Baptist book was published in 1769 by Caleb Evans and John Ash. In this same year John Rippon entered the Bristol Baptist Academy but it was not until 1787 that his "Selection" appeared. It was revised many times and in 1844 after his death The Comprehensive Rippon was published with 1174 hymns. (A further extensive discussion of Particular Baptist Hymnody was delivered at the 2001 Annual Lecture).Order this booklet
Thomas Tillam's Legacy - The story of a Northumbrian Church
Philip Arthur
The subject of this booklet is centred on the Northumberland town of Hexham from 1651 to 1789. It was to Hexham that Thomas Tillam arrived in 1651, not as a Baptist pastor, but as a lecturer at the Abbey Church in the town. He had originated from the Coleman Street church in London under the care of Hanserd Knollys. The story continues with the successes and difficulties during Tillam's leadership. By about 1655 a serious split occurred leading to the resignation of Tillam who return eventually to London by 1659 where he was involved in a legal dispute. The church at Hexham became two one on Derwentside under the leadership of John Ward and the other around Hexham under the leadership of Richard Orde. Following the Restoration in 1660 life became difficulties for these meetings. The story follows the progress of the Derwentside and Hexham groups as they expanded during the early eighteenth century but concludes with the demise of the Hexham church about 1789 with the death of the then pastor David Fernie. Finally the article traces the legacy of the work in Northumberland begun by Tillam with the situation down to the twentieth century.Order this booklet
John Gill - orthodox dissenter
Dr Robert W Oliver
This booklet is a biographical sketch of John Gill (1697 - 1771). However it discusses at length the historical setting for dissenters at the close of the seventeenth century and John Gill's emergence as a leader in this period. From the mid 1720s Gill began publishing a number of pamphlets and sermons, notably 'The Ancient Mode of Baptism by Immersion' and 'A Defence of the Ancient Mode of Baptism by Immersion' in 1727 and 1728. John Gill was never far from controversy on such issues as the Doctrine of the Trinity, the Eternal Sonship, his dissent balanced by his personal friendships with James Harvey and Augustus Montague Toplady and the subject of Baptism. The final two issues addressed are the significance of John Gill's major writings and the question of whether Gill was a Hyper-Calvinist.Order this booklet
A plea for the Strict BaptistsThis is a reprint of an article published c. 1839. The author is believed to be Rev Stephen Davis (1783 - 1856). It discusses the mode and biblical significance of baptism, and compares the position of Strict Baptists with other Baptist denominations.Order this booklet
Inter-church discipline in historical perspective
Kenneth Dix
This history of inter-church discipline is traced from the Reformation to the use of excommunication, or the ban found in the Anabaptist congregations in Europe in the sixteenth century. Attention then turns to the 1644 Particular Baptist First London Confession which provides for discipline within a church but not on an inter-church basis. However Abingdon Baptist association records in 1653 and 1660 refers to the issue of inter-church discipline. This was also confirmed in the records of the 1692 Particular Baptist General Assembly. A comparison is then given of evidence from four sources. The records of the Bunyan Meeting at Bedford, an open communion church; Chesham, Buckinghamshire, General Baptist; Little Prescot Street, London, Particular Baptist; and the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches in London.Order this booklet
Strict Baptist spirituality in inter-war England
Ian Randall
This booklet charts the history of the different wings of Strict Baptists in the immediately after the First World War but starts with a summary of the position arrived at during the Victorian period. The discussion is focussed on some of the key individuals; J K Popham and J H Gosden of theÿGospel Standardÿand Francis J Kirby and B A Warburton ofÿThe Christian's Pathway. In the authors words, across the whole spectrum of Strict Baptist chapels the debate "was not about the principle of being separate, but concerned the degree of co-operation which was possible without compromising Strict Baptist ecclesiological integrity". Consideration is given of the practice of preaching, worship and communion during this period. The period in question could be understated as a period of change and it was the various responses of Strict Baptist churches to this environment that makes this study of interest.Order this booklet
"Sit down, young man" John Collett Ryland's alleged rebuke to William Carey
Peter Naylor
Peter Naylor retells of the anecdotal story that John Collett Ryland, in 1786 at Northampton, had told the future missionary William Carey to "sit down", when he raised the issue of offering his services in distant lands. There is more to this argument than whether the alleged incident occurred or not but is seen as the critical in the subsequent decisions of the Northamptonshire Baptist Association to commence its missionary activity. In the style of a detective, the author then sets the scene, examines the characters and their testimony and the evidence we do have to come to a conclusion was it more or less likely that the event did actually occur. Starting with John Collett Ryland, minister of College Lane Baptist Church, his origins, career at Bourton on the Water, Warwick, Northampton and Enfield. Critical evidence - was Ryland actually in Northampton in 1786? His Calvinism, views on Baptism and as a teacher in his academy all helps to understand the man. Attention then turns to those who would have had first, or second-hand knowledge of the event: Webster Morris of Clipstone, present at the meeting, John Rippon who preached at Ryland's funeral and Andrew Fuller. The conclusion is far from simple and may require further investigation of near contemporary sources.Order this booklet
Baptists and toleration during the period of the Civil Wars
Dr Kenneth Dix
Against the historical background of the English Civil War in the seventeenth century, the author charts the attempt of Parliament to resolve the issue of Church government. An assembly of "learned and godly divines" was established to give Parliament their "advice and counsel". The intention being that the final decision would be Parliament's and not the Assembly. Primarily the assembly comprised of Presbyterian sympathetic Anglicans and five Independents. The Baptists strenuously maintained that Parliament had no right to interfere in ecclesiastical affairs and could not therefore be part of it themselves. It is in this context that seven London Particular Baptist Churches published the 1644 Baptist Confession. The confession represented the faith and conduct of some of those who were and whose writings are considered further. Samuel Richardson an member of the Wapping Baptist Church. Thomas Collier, described by his arch-enemy Thomas Edwards as "an illiterate Carter, or an Husbandman". He was a Calvinist and evangelist who preached the gospel and planted many new churches. Christopher Blackwood c.1606? - c. 1668, born in Yorkshire, served as an Anglican in Kent, the with the Baptists at Spillshill near Smarden, Kent. Subsequently he was a captain in Cromwell's army in Ireland when he was instrumental in forming a number of Baptist churches. Roger Williams, 1604? - 1683, was educated at Oxford, emigrated to New England and in 1638 organised the first American Baptist Church. In 1643 he was to return to England to obtain a charter for the possession of what was to become Rhode Island. The Cromwellian period despite some of the difficulties was one of unparalleled growth for the Baptists. By 1660 there were almost 300 Baptist Churches in England and Wales.Order this booklet
"The things which shall be hereafter" Strict Baptist views of the Second Coming
Dr Ian Randall
Starting with the views of J C Philpot recorded in a series of articles in theGospel Standardÿin 1854, the author charts the progression of Strict Baptist views, concentrating on two periods the mid nineteenth century and the period between the First and Second World Wars. Another key figure was Septimus Sears writing 'The Things Which shall be Hereafter' published in 1867. His was a premillenialist view, which was strongly opposed by James Wells pastor of the Surrey Tabernacle.ÿThe Earthen Vesselÿedited by Charles Water Banks and theÿGospel Standardÿby J C Philpot took up the discussion. The next milestone came in 1917 with the publication of a manifesto in the Christian press in Britain. This manifesto came about following discussions between F B Meyer, J S Harrison, Alfred Bird and G Campbell Morgan. In 1918 the Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony journal entered the debate with its journalÿWatching and Waiting. Through the 1920s Ben Warburton frequently wrote in the pages ofÿThe Christian's Pathway. A map prepared by B W Newton and published inÿWatching and Waitingÿin 1930 showed the revived Roman Empire with its ten kingdoms. This came at a time of significant events in the historical backdrop of European politics of the 1930s. This debate became the source of intense controversy in 1937 and 1938 when Albert Close challenged George Fromow at a meeting of the Protestant Investigation Society. Much of the speculation had to be re-interpreted with the end of the Second World War. The a-millienialist view was revived in the post war era. In that context W J Grier's bookÿThe Momentous Eventÿin 1945 was important.Order this booklet
The development of Particular Baptist Hymnody in England to 1915
Dr Tim Grass
Rather than following the theme of Particular Baptist Hymn-writers the author follows the development of the hymnbooks and traces the development of their content reflecting the differing positions and ideas of the compilers. In the seventeenth century the debate concerned the practice of hymn singing itself covered by the opinions of John Bunyan, Benjamin Keach, Isaac Marlow and John Gill. In the early eighteenth century Particular Baptist would have been familiar with the work of Isaac Watts. However the first collection published by Particular Baptists was that of John Ash (c.1724 - 79) and Caleb Evans (1737 - 91) known as theÿBristol Collectionÿappeared in 1769. In 1787 John Rippon pastor or Carter Lane, Tooley Street London published his collection which came to be the most successful Particular Baptist hymnal. The book went through many editions and was enlarged in 1800, 1827 and theÿComprehensive Ripponÿappeared in 1844 now with 1174 hymns. This was not the only book used by Baptists so discussion follows the publishing of the various books published by the spectrum of Strict Baptist compilers. John Stevens (1776 -1847) published his selection in 1809. William Gadsby's selection first appeared in 1813, this too went through several revisions and was expanded in 1838, and 1846-47 by J C Philpot. Edward Mote (1797 - 1874) produced hisÿHymns of Praiseÿin 1836. David Denham (1791 - 1848) published his selection asÿThe Saints' Melodyÿin 1837. James Wells (1803 - 72) published hisÿSelection of Hymns from various authorsÿin 1839. Charles Spurgeon entered the hymn compilation arena withÿOur Own Hymn Bookÿin 1866. The last book to be published during the period under review wasÿGospel Hymnsÿby the Strict and Particular Baptist Society in 1915 which had a remarkably long life through to the 1980s and later. Finally this booklet discusses how the contents of the collections reflect Particular Baptists views on the Second Coming and Mission. A comprehensive bibliography of the subject area and extensive notes concludes this publication.Order this booklet
The history of the Strict Baptist Mission 1861 to 1982
Philip Grist
Philip Grist has produced a comprehensive introduction to the Strict Baptist Mission, the South Indian Strict Baptist Missionary Society. The story is traced from its origins in the 1840s as a consequence of fundamental differences with the Baptist Missionary Society. The Strict Baptist Mission was formed in 1861 on the initiative of the Keppel Street Chapel pastored by Mr Milner. In the second year the work was supported by the Soho Chapel, St Neots and Tunbridge Wells. The principal method of operation was through churches in England supporting directly local work in India. Steady progress was made through to the 1890s through the labours of Henry an Walter Doll in India, Mr Noble in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), They were followed in 1895 by Samuel Hutchinson and Ernest Booth. Unfortunately differing views and subsequent events within the Strict Baptist Mission led to the formation of the South Indian Strict Baptist Missionary Society in 1896. These two organisation were to continue in their own paths until amalgamating in 1929. Work continued through to the Second World War and through the transition to independence for India. In the late 1950s work moved into radio through the work of radio evangelism with the Far East Broadcasting Company (Manila). In 1966 thoughts turned to mission work outside of India and commenced in Belgium in 1967, Spain (1968), France (1971), Peru and the Philippines (1977). In 1976 the Mission moved from its office from 61 Breakspears Road to the Mission Centre in Abingdon. The Mission?s annual meeting in 1982 took the decision to change its name to the Grace Baptist Mission. This booklet provides brief details of the careers of many missionaries and suggestions of further reading. Including "Great Expectations" by Clifford Pond covering the period from 1971 and "Other Sheep of the Tamil Fold" by J K Thorpe.
Further details of the current work of the Grace Baptist Mission can be found atÿhttp://www.gbm.org.uk
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Strict Baptist Preachers and Preaching
Dr Kenneth Dix
This bulletin provides a comprehensive survey of the spectrum of of Strict Baptist homilitics as indicated by its title. The subject is introduced by mention of notable Victorian preachers viz. James Wells, William Gadsby, John Warburton, John Stevens, John Foreman, John Hazelton, Philip Reynolds and J C Philpot. In the 20thÿcentury J K Popham, John Spurling-Tyler, Stanley Delves, John Booth and George Bird. This though is not a collection of short biographies, but addresses the content of the sermons themselves and taken as a whole. One primary consideration considered is the pattern of preaching from a single verse or part of a verse. This practice was not restricted to the 19thÿcentury but even in the second half of the 20thÿcentury it was still remarked upon when a whole passage was taken as the basis of a sermon. Another area distinguishing many Strict Baptist preachers was the absence of a college trained ministry; its impact on the style and content of preaching is considered. Practicalities of the pulpit are observed and reference made to the arguments pertaining to the use of notes. The widespread influence of J C Philpot is reviewed. A further consideration is the balance between sermons of a teaching nature compared to those of a spiritual experience. Overall this article provides a balanced review supplemented by an extensive list of references for further reading or research.Order this booklet