Title: History of the English Calvinistic Baptists
1771-1892
Author: Robert W. Oliver
Publisher: The Banner of Truth Trust
First Copyright: 2006
Type of Book: Hardcover
General Subject Matter:
Historical narrative delineating differences and principle spokesmen between
closed and open communion among Particular and General Baptists during the
period of 1771-1892
Price: $27.00
ISBN: 0-85151-920-0
The purpose of this book is to trace
the story of the English Calvinistic Baptists from the death of John Gill in
1771 to that of Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1892. So states the author in
the dust jacket notes and in his introduction. Oliver asserts that no Christian
community exists without some type of controversy. Oliver details the
controversies that developed at this time.
The theme of this book
is the development of Strict and Particular doctrines and practices.
The thesis of this book
is that even though the emergence of two distinct Baptist denominations out of
English Separatism which differed in the proper candidates which could be received
as communicants at the Lord’s table, the Strict Baptists (Particular Baptists) and General Baptists.
The author uses a combination of narration and exposition to
develop his thesis. The author tells the story of a series of events,
developments, and changes that took place after the death of the historic
pastor John Gill through the death of another historic pastor, Charles H.
Spurgeon in a chronological order. Oliver emphasizes various events to tell his
readers about the various developments and what factors precipitated them.
Oliver also uses exposition to explain each event and its
significance. Oliver also gives excellent analysis of these events. The author
attempts to present the facts as clearly as possible. These facts range from
the development of doctrinal papers, establishment of various churches, the
calling or dismissing of various pastors, and other essential events from both “camps.”
This book was very interesting. Oliver, although unafraid to admit
his bias, was very objective and very thorough in his presentation. Oliver was
extremely detailed. This book is very useful to its intended audience as it
provides extensive research explaining how various churches developed strict or
open communion practices and how they changed during the period of 1771-1892.
Oliver seems to not only defend the position of strict or closed
communion but he seems to defend and uphold “hyper-Calvinism.” He seems to venerate men such as Gill, Gadsby,
Philpot, Fuller and Booth who were seemingly hyper-Calvinists.
I would agree with Oliver that communion is preceded by believer’s
baptism. I agree with the author’s opinion that the doctrines of grace are
biblical doctrines taken straight from the pages of the Scriptures. I agree
that only adult candidates who profess and demonstrate conversion should be
baptized.
Oliver divides his book in to three distinct sections. Part One is
a detailed history of what Oliver calls “the eighteenth-century heritage.” He
examines the life, ministry, and contribution (good or bad) of a number of
eighteenth century men. Oliver also details controversies such as
antinomianism. Part Two details the differences of three prominent men who
preached and wrote extensively on the questions and issues of their day; Andrew
Fuller, Abraham Booth, William Gadsby, and John Stevens. Part Three begins with
the movement toward open communion, the question of the free offer of the
gospel, the impact of both John C. Philpot and Charles H. Spurgeon on these
issues.
Robert W. Oliver pastored the Old Baptist Church in Bradford on
Avon in Wilshire for over thirty-five (35) years. He was a frequent lecturer on
Church History in the London Theological Seminary.
This book is a hardback copy. The layout of this book makes it
very reader friendly. The typography is very easy to read. There are a number
of black and white renditions and sketches of a number of principle men
connected to this period and these controversies.
This book is replete with footnotes at the bottom of the page.
This book contains three (3) appendices giving further information and
summaries. This book contains an extensive bibliography. There are three (3)
indexes at the end of this book, one for names, another for places, and a third
for subjects.
In summary, Oliver detailed the development of the Strict and
Particular brands of the church community in the nineteenth century. He
believed it was not a “stagnant backwater that is best forgotten,” but needed
to be recorded for great benefit today. Oliver contended that there was a “spiritual
vitality” to this group (English Calvinistic Baptists) that needed to be
remembered. Oliver skillfully provided a very detailed and useful overview of
both the thought and activities of this group of believers.
I found this book to be very interesting and informative. I find
it difficult to do a general summary of this book due to the fact that Oliver
made each chapter stand on its own. The chapter titles are as follows:
The Legacy of John Gill
Blessings in the Cotswolds
Three Noteworthy Leaders
The Communion Controversy 1772-1781
The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation
Antinomianism
William Huntington’s Controversy with the Particular Baptists
Andrew Fuller and Abraham Booth
William Gadsby
John Stevens
Moves Toward Open Communion
The Beginnings of the Strict Baptist Magazines
Joseph Charles Philpot
Organizations
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
The main topics of this book are:
Who may take the Lord's Supper?
"From the seventeenth century onwards, Baptists had debated the question of whether communion should be closed or open, but it was not until the nineteenth century that differences over this issue led to distinct Strict Baptist groupings." (page 58)
"The Particular Baptist denomination remained divided on terms of communion but the two sides within the communion was not settled." (page 87)
What is the role of the law in the Christian life?
John Gill wrote, "[The Law] (sic) is of use to saints and true believers in Christ...to be a rule of life and conversation to them; not a rule to obtain life by; but to live according to; to guide their feet, to direct their steps, and to preserve them from going into bye and crooked paths." (page 112)
In 1957 John Murray wrote, "An erroneous conception of the function of the law can be of such a character that it completely vitiates our view of the gospel; and an erroneous conception of the antithesis between law and grace can be of such a character that it demolishes both the substructure and the superstructure of grace." (page 112)
Is there a biblical warrant for making free offers of the gospel to all and sundry?
Andrew Fuller wrote in 1815, "I have preached and written much against the abuse of the doctrine of grace; but that doctrine is all my salvation and all my desire. I have no other hope than that from salvation by mere, sovereign and efficacious grace, through the atonement of my Lord and Savior. With this hope I can to into eternity with composure." (page 89)
Andrew Fuller's publishing of The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation in 1785 was a powerful challenge to the prevailing Hyper-Calvinism within the Particular Baptist Churches. William Button and John Martin had been heavily influenced by John Gill. Button was compelled to denounce Fuller's publication, charging Fuller with Arminianism. Button wrote:
There are those, who warmly espousing Mr. F.'s (Fuller) cause, have been pleased to say, they hope his book will cure some their Gillism and Brinism. To such I beg leave to say, I am ashamed of their contemptuous manner of speaking of those great and good me, Gill and Brine, who characters and works ought to be revered and esteemed by all, who call themselves Christians." (page 100)
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Banner of Truth Trust for this review and nothing else. The opinions offered in this review are mine and I was not required to offer a favorable opinion.
People
join churches every day for the wrong reason. Unfortunately, many stay at their
church for the wrong reasons also. I want to write about the church in future
blogs and I need your help. Please take some time, think through your answers,
and share some information about two very important decisions.
About nine years ago, I developed the following list of prayer requests that I gave to every willing hand. I haven’t passed them out in at least four years, but I decided to resurrect them. Why? I need prayer…badly! And so does your pastor. As leaders in the church, we have unique and often more intense temptations (“Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter”). So will you consider praying for your pastor the way I ask my people to pray for me?
