Strict Baptists
Strict Baptists, also called Strict and Particular Baptists, refer to a stream of English Particular Baptists emerging in the early 19th century who rejected Fullerism and maintained the practice of strict or closed communion. Several strains of Strict Baptists appeared in England, named by the magazines they supported, however, the most prominent group is the Gospel Standard Strict Baptists, named after the Gospel Standard Magazine.
History
The Strict Baptists have their roots in the English Particular Baptist tradition. The early 17th Century English Baptists were divided over the doctrine of salvation and split into the General Baptists, who held to Arminianism, and the Particular Baptists, who were Calvinistic. In the 18th Century, many Baptists began to practice open communion, which stirred controversy among the Particular Baptists. Those defending closed communion came to be known as Strict and Particular Baptists.
Strict Baptist Magazines
The Strict Baptists were prolific writers, publishing several magazines through which they propagated their beliefs. These pamphlets often contained theology articles, sermons, letters, book reviews, poems, devotionals, and church news. They also tended to be platforms for debate and controversy, and the magazines were eventually associated with certain doctrinal positions that Strict Baptists rallied around. Hence, the Strict Baptists were typically named after the magazines they supported.
The Earthen Vessel Magazine
This magazine was started in 1845 by Charles Banks (1806–1869), who remained the editor for over forty years. It was eventually acquired by the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches and became the main platform for communications between the churches in the association.[1]
The Gospel Standard Magazine
The Gospel Standard was initially published by John Gadsby in 1835 to advocate for the doctrinal convictions of his father, William Gadsby.[1] It is currently the oldest religious pamphlet still in print in the U.K.
The Gospel Herald Magazine
This magazine was originally published by George Wright of Ipswich in 1833 and merged with The Earthen Vessel in 1887.[1]
The Christian's Pathway Magazine
This magazine was first edited by Francis Kirby in 1896 and superseded another magazine, The Calvinistic Pulpit. It strongly supported the doctrine of the Eternal Sonship of Christ.[1]
Prominent Strict Baptists
- John Skepp (1675–1721)
- John Gill (1697–1771)
- John Brine (1703–1765)
- Abraham Booth (1734–1806)
- William Gadsby (1773–1844)
- John Warburton (1776–1857)
- J.C. Philpot (1802–1869)
- Charles Waters Banks (1806–1886)
- Benjamin Ramsbottom (1929–2023)
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Toon, P., English Strict Baptists, 1964