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a history of the english baptists
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND NOTICES OF ABOVE THREE HUNDRED MINISTERS, AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED, OF ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY CHURCHES, IN THE DIFFERENT COUNTIES IN ENGLAND: FROM ABOUT THE YEAR 1610 TILL 1700.
PREFACE THE English Baptists, from the period of the Reformation, have been a numerous class of Protestant Dissenters. In the first Volume of this history they have been considered the descendants of the Ancient British Christians, and also of the Wickliffites and Lollards; as the latter undoubtedly were of the Ancient Waldenses. No evidence having been produced since its publication to the contrary, I may be allowed to consider it is as proved. The present Volume is composed principally of biographical sketches of the Baptist Ministers in England of the seventeenth Century. We do not allow them nor any other uninspired men to be the originators of our sentiments; but they were the founders of our churches, and as such entitled to our respect. It has been usual for ecclesiastical writers to represent the English Baptists as inconsiderable in their number; as erroneous in their principles; and their ministers as persons without learning or distinction. This spirit of detraction is obvious in Neal’s, and Calamy’s, and Baxter’s histories; and more recently in a “History of Dissenters” by Messrs. Bogue and Bennett. It is due to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Brooks, to say, that their respective works are free from such meanness; when they have mentioned the Baptists it has been with integrity and affection. The present Volume contains notices and
historical accounts of above three hundred ministers, and one
hundred and thirty distinct churches; founded in the Metropolis
and in different parts of the kingdom before the beginning of
the eighteenth century. Consequently the aggregate number of
those who composed the Baptist congregations could not have been
small. For the correctness of their principles, whether
political or theological, we refer the Reader for information to
their public confessions of faith, and to their printed works.
As to the literary character of their ministers, and the utility
of their labours in promoting the cause of Christ, let the
Reader suspend his judgment till he has perused these Volumes,
and then decide. He will find that many of them had been
educated at our Universities, and had obtained valuable
preferment; but from a conviction (the result of extensive
research, and patient investigation) that Infant-Baptism was
neither supported by the scriptures, nor the writers of the
three first centuries, they voluntarily relinquished profitable
livings, and took their lot with the poor and the despised. In
proof of this assertion we mention without fear of contradiction
the names of Canne, Coxe, Harrison, Denne, Knollis, Cornwell,
Blackwood, Jessey, Gosnold, Bampfield, Du-Veil, Hardcastle,
Fownes, &c. Other names respectable for learning may be
added, who had never been ministers of the established church —
such as Kiffin , Delaune, W. Collins, N. Coxe, J. Stennett, Piggott, &c. It is true that many who have been pastors of the Baptist churches have been mechanics and tradesmen; and some of these conducted business in connection with their ministry — but none will consider these circumstances as dishonourable, who remember that the Apostles were fishermen and tent-makers, whose hands ministered to their necessities; that many who have been but little acquainted with languages or sciences, have yet been conversant with divine truth, and not a little successful in the turning of sinners to God by Jesus Christ; that some of the greatest proficients in learning have acquired it by their own industry after being in the ministry; that those who have laboured with their hands with poor congregations in obscure villages, have by this means carried the gospel where it might otherwise have been unknown; nor should it he forgotten that in many cases the necessity for our fore-fathers labouring, and attending to secular pursuits, arose from themselves and their people being stripped of their property by unjust fines, and cruel imprisonments. It was the practice of the Apostles to put every kind of gift in requisition, and such is the principle of our brethren in India at this day. Men whom none will reproach for their want of literature, scruple not to encourage every converted native, who understands the gospel, and is “apt to teach,” to communicate it to those about him; whatever advantages accompany literature, yet to confine the work of the ministry to literary men is to lay an embargo on the progress of the Gospel. That the Pastors and Elders in the Baptist churches have been “faithful ministers of Christ” we may safely appeal to their indefatigable labours, and their patient sufferings. It will satisfy any unprejudiced person that this statement can be substantiated, who hears the names of Bunyan, Keach, Gifford , Cheare, Grantham, Griffith, Bampfeld, and Delaune. But even these, though more public characters than some others of their brethren, were yet equalled in labour and sufferings by many, both ministers and private christians, who endured for more than twenty years cruel mockings and scourgings; yea, moreover bonds and imprisonments,” When it is considered how constantly and
extensively the Baptist ministers preached the gospel; — the
number of persons converted to Christ by their ministry; — and
the churches formed by their labours (most of which have
continued to the present time) it cannot be doubted but their
lives were usefully employed’ in promoting the cause of “pure
and undefiled Religion.” Their histories are proofs also of a
ready subjection to the Magistrate in all civil matters; though
they afford abundant evidence of their resolving to obey God
rather than men; when the commands of men required an act of
rebellion against the authority of God. The printed Volumes of some of these excellent Ministers still remain, as standing memorials of their orthodox principles, their extensive knowledge of experimental religion, and their ardent regard to practical godliness. In these it will be found that though there may have been minor points of difference in the sentiments of the original Baptists, both Particular and General; yet among the former there were none of those who are now designated High Calvinists, nor among the latter any of those now found in the ranks of Arius and Socinus. They all maintained the Doctrine of a Trinity of Persons in the unity of the Godhead; the proper Divinity of Christ; free justification through the imputed righteousness of Christ; the necessity of personal sanctification, &c. There is abundant proof also, that they addressed the invitations of the gospel to unconverted sinners, and by the most awakening appeals to their hearts called upon them to “repent and believe the gospel.” It is hoped that these Volumes will awaken the attention of the Baptist Ministers and churches to imitate the piety, simplicity, and zeal of their pro-genitors; who contended “earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.” Let them ever re member that the principles they profess are those for which Bunyan was imprisoned, and Keach was pilloried — and on account of which Cheare, Delaune, Griffiths, and Bampfield and many others lost their lives. Their example too is worthy of imitation, as they strove to promote General Associations of the churches who were agreed in doctrine and discipline; in providing the advantages of literature far young ministers; and in catechising the children of their congregations. The weekly penny subscription that has been so productive and beneficial in the Wesleyan Methodist Societies, was adopted and recommended by a general Assembly of the Ministers and Messengers of more than one hundred churches in London in 1689. Should the Author contribute in any small degree towards exciting a similar spirit in the Baptist Denomination he will rejoice that ever he attempted to produce a History of the English Baptists. The work is composed of materials which
were widely scattered, some of which were in scarce Volumes, and
others in private manuscripts. He has endeavoured to form a
compilation, arranged in the Alphabetical order of the Counties,
of whatever related to the English Baptists in Neal’s History of
the Puritans; Wood’s History of the Oxford Writers; Calamy’s and
Palmer’s History of the Nonconformists; Calamy’s Life of Baxter;
Wilson’s History of the Dissenting Churches in London; Brooks’s
Lives of the Puritans; Sewel’s History of the Quakers, &c. &c.
He acknowledges with gratitude the assistance he has received
from those of his friends who have granted him the use of Church
Records, old and scarce books, and valuable Manuscripts. The writer, who neither wishes nor expects to disarm criticism, thinks it right to mention that the work has been written at the leisure allowed him by various other engagements, and at some periods when much interrupted by bodily indisposition. He is encouraged, however, to hope from the favourable reception given to the first Volume, and the testimonies of approbation he has obtained from Ministers and other persons, of the highest consideration for talents and integrity, that the present Volume, which possesses so much to interest of a local and family nature, will be equally acceptable. Should his health be continued and his life preserved, he intends to produce a third Volume, to comprize the events of the Baptist Denomination from the beginning of the eighteenth century till the close of the reign of George the second. If the reader has tasted that the Lord is gracious, and delights to view the operation of his hands, in his works of providence and mercy towards his people, he will find in this Work many instances of the special care and abundant love of the Lord Jesus. The deliverances wrought for many of his servants whose histories are herein recorded, and the supports afforded them in Prison, and in the prospect of death, are undeniable proofs that as “HE himself suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” That the God of wisdom and revelation may deign to bless this attempt to preserve these “examples of suffering and of patience,” and to increase the knowledge and love of Christ, is the fervent prayer of THE AUTHOR. |
Volume I
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