Beginnings in Britain

The Baptists #1

by Thomas J. Nettles

The nature of Baptist identity has come to a place of critical importance in Baptist studies. What exactly constitutes a Baptist? Tom Nettles seeks to answer this fascinating question through examining the lives of some of the most high profile and influential Baptists in history. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky has a library loaded with Baptist materials including a rich archival collection, which Tom found indispensable for this book. Nettles establishes a clearly identifiable profile of Baptists. He looks at many influential spokesmen for Baptist lives who embraced the bible as an unerring divine revelation. From John Spilsbury to William Carey we are taken on an enlightening journey through the origin and expansion of the Baptist Church. Tom Nettles has produced a book that is wonderfully informative and, through its profiles of God honouring historical figures, should serve us encouragement to all Christians today. Tom Nettles has produced a book that is wonderfully informative and, through its profiles of God honouring historical figures, should serve us encouragement to all Christians Today.

Genres: Church History, History, Biography, Theology

392 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

Tom Nettles (see also) is Professor of Historical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.

Reviews

[Evan Climpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply exceptional. Currently taking his class in seminary and the breadth of knowledge he communicates is immense and the ease through which he navigates the issues is breathtaking. An informative history of the English Baptists.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting history of Baptist beginnings in Britain from John Smyth (d. 1612) to William Carey (1761-1834). It particularly concentrates on the origin and expansion of Particular Baptists.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of biographies set in historical context by one of the foremost living Baptist historians. Baptists arise most clearly out of a commitment to biblical orthodoxy, a Reformed and Puritan doctrine of salvation, and the regulative principle applied in the church.

[Matthew Nicaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary of the history of the early English Baptists.

[Jake Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work that traces out Baptist identity and origins with a concentration on British Baptists from early 17th century to Andrew Fuller and William Carey at the beginning of the 19th century.

[Nicholas Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice balance of biography, theological reflection, and Baptist foundations.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel indebted to Tom Nettles for doing the deep digging required to bring us this volume, and small in the shadow of the post-Reformation Baptists who fought and labored for the truth, taking heat both from within the body of Christ and from without. Reading Christian biography is good for the soul because it puts our own travails in a larger context and gives inspiration abd humbleness. The Baptists is no exception.

Nettles biographic sketches begin in the 17th century and move forward to the 19th century. He begins with the lives of three Arminian Baptists: John Smyth, Thomas Grantham, and Dan Taylor. From there, he moves on to describe the lives and times of seven key Reformed Baptists: John Spilsbury, William Kiffin, Hanserd Knollys, Benjamin Keach, John Gill, Andrew Fuller, and William Carey. Each of these men was instrumental in his own ways, some investing copious time, energy, and ink to defending orthodox Christianity; some deftly defending Baptist distinctives; and others taking the gospel to unreached places. All ministered graciously and had great devotion to God and his Word. I was also struck at how seriously they took sin in their own lives, and thence how wonderful God's love in Christ was to them. I am especially inspired by Keach, Gill, and Fuller for their intellectual prowess and studious diligence.

I originally picked up this book when I saw it on clearance at a bookstore, and it proved to be a great blessing. This is especially true since I identify with this particular community of faith, and see the men in this book as spiritual forebears, as it were.

[David Saxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nettles is a clear and interesting writer, and a biographical approach to Baptist history is right up my alley. I didn't realize how polemical the three-volume work is. He is distinctly trying to refute the modern notion that the essence of being Baptist is freedom of thought. Therefore, he shows with copious evidence how the earliest Baptists viewed themselves as orthodox, confessional Christians. They viewed liberty as working within the clear constraints of historic orthodoxy.
One is free to believe and be whatever he wishes theologically, but he is not free to be unorthodox or un-Baptist and still call himself a Baptist.
I look forward to volumes 2 and 3.

[Daniel Alvers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing work full of information that I will use for the rest of my ministry. If you are interested at all in understanding Baptist history you should own this book. If you do not own this book be ashamed and buy this book. Also get the rest of the books in this serious. They are awesome.

[Rob Barriault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. The structure is designed to help one understand the humble beginnings of the Baptists by highlighting: Baptists theological convictions, combatting heretical teachings, and focusing on a few key characters who furthered shaped Baptist identity.