Baptist History & Biographies
Picking Up a Pin for the Lord: English Particular Baptists from 1688 to the Early Nineteenth Century by Peter Naylor (Grace Publications)
Much information on the origins of Strict Baptists which is just not readily available elsewhere. A true contribution to the study of Baptist history by one who loves the subject himself. Thorough and well documented. Good resource for anyone interested in Baptist history.
The British Particular Baptists, vol.1: 1638 - 1910 edited by Michael Haykin (1998, Particular Baptist Press).
Note: The following review was done informally by Joel Rishel on the Reformed Baptist Discussion List (email).
. . . . . I just received "The Britist Particular Baptists, 1638-1910", Volume 1, published by Particular Baptist Press. It is very well done, and it is obvious that Haykin has done a great job coordinating and editing the material from a variety of contributing authors. However, the mix of authors was somewhat confusing at points, such as B.A. Ramsbottom's apparent Gillite sympathies (pp.242-243) and Peter Naylor's definition of a moderately High Calvinist in terms of what I understand to be hyperCalvinism (pp.191-194), as compared to Barry Howson's distinction between High Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism (p.61) and Robert Oliver's claim to part company with Gill over his hyperCalvinism (pp.161-162). Gary Long does include a disclaimer in the Foreword over full endorsement of every author and subject, and Haykin does note that authors have been given liberty to differ over these issues (p.19). This is good in that it advances greater accuracy and historical representation, but it is still confusing to the reader to have this combination on such a crucial issue.
. . . . . . My favorite chapter, without a doubt is Jim Renihan's presentation of John Spilsbury, about whom I knew very little. I would really love to get my hands on a copy of Spilsbury's "Treatise Concerning the Lawful Subjects of Baptism".
. . . . . . Barry Howson's chapter on Hanserd Knollys has an interesting account related to the recent discussion on James 5. "Moreover, he also fell seriously ill and thought he was dying. But he called for Kiffin and the Welsh Baptist leader Vavasor Powell (1617-1670) to pray over him and
anoint him with oil according to James 5:14-15. As a result of this and the fervent prayers of others he recovered" (p.49). Later Howson writes, "Knollys did not teach eternal justification, a view characteristic of Hyper-Calvinism. When Knollys deals with the subject of the sinner's conversion in his 1681 tract 'The World that now is, and the world that is to come', he plainly states that the sinner is justified, and adopted and sanctified when God works faith in his heart. Knollys was no Hyper-Calvinist" (p.56-57).
. . . . . Paul Wilson wrote an excellent chapter on William Kiffin, but I thought it was too short.
. . . . . Allen Smith's chapter on John Bunyan was very readable and interesting. However, I was confused by his statement, "the Particular Baptists clearly considered Bunyan one of their own, except for his adverse view on baptism and church communion" (p.90). This claim is not documented and is not what I have heard elsewhere.
. . . . . Tom Nettles presents a scholarly and balanced chapter on Benjamin Keach. He is clear on Keach's view of justification. "Keach defended the doctrine of justification so ardently for two reasons: one, it gives glory to the perfections of Christ and exalts him; two, sinners may have comfort in no other way ... Keach regularly refers to his harmony with the rest of Protestantism on this doctrine and recognizes the indebtedness of the Christian world, under God, to the faithfuless of Martin Luther and Calvin. He also sees himself in harmony with Puritanism at large on this doctrine, though he had no fear to confront them on their views of baptism and other issues of ecclesiology" (p.107, n).
. . . . . Robert Oliver's chapter on John Gill was the most enlightening to me. Although he differs with Gill over his hyperCalvinism, Oliver demonstrates Gill's invaluable contribution to Particular Baptists in his defense of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and believers baptism, and his refutations of Sabellians, Arians, and Socinians. "To reject John Gill's Hyper-Calvinism does not mean that we have to denigrate him or ignore his place in history ... As a champion for orthodox Christology he should receive our gratitude. It is easy to overlook the reality of the threat to orthodoxy in the eighteenth century" (p.162). This chapter was very well balanced and corrected my thinking about Gill in a number of areas.
. . . . . Michael Haykin brings Benjamin Beddome, a hymnwriter to light. I rejoiced to see this statement, "Beddome was convinced that the word 'persuade' lay at the heart of preaching" (p.180).
. . . . . My second favorite chapter was Haykin's on Robert Hall, Sr. I would love to get a copy of "Help to Zion's Travellers". I must share this one portion, "If any one should ask, Have I a right to apply to Jesus the Saviour, simply as a poor, undone, perishing sinner, in whom there appears no good thing? I answer, Yes; the gospel proclamation is, Whosoever will, let him come" (p.207).
. . . . . Kirk Wellum's chapter on Caleb Evans, who re-organized the Bristol Baptist Academy will be of special interest to anyone involved in IRBS. "Hugh and Caleb Evans understood that this was not a time for Christians to run and hide from the issues that were being raised, nor could Christians advance the cause of Christ through mere intellectual reasoning alone—the head and the heart must come together. The need was for clear thinking combined with heart-felt passion for the Lord" (p.218).
. . . . . Overall, the book will make a significant contribution to RB awareness of our Particular Baptist heritage. I hope that it gains wide circulation despite the fact that PBP is a relatively new and smaller publishing company. I'm already anxious for the release of volume two and would love to see some of the original writings of these men republished.
The book can be obtained from:
Particular Baptist Press
2766 W. Weaver Road
Springfield MO 65810
gwlong@juno.com
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