A CONDENSED HISTORY

OF THE

GENERAL BAPTISTS OF THE NEW CONNEXION.

PRECEDED BY

HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE EARLY BAPTISTS.

BY J. H. WOOD.

WITH A RECOMMENDATORY PREFACE BY J. G. PIKE.

LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND Co.

LEICESTER: J. F. WINKS.

MDCCCXLVII.

RECOMMENDATORY PREFACE.

My esteemed brother, the Author of this volume, requested an introductory Essay from me. A multiplicity of imperative duties, and feeble health, prevented my complying with his request. But I cheerfully offer my humble testimony to the value of his little work. Though small in size and low in price, it must have cost him much time and great labour. An abundant mass of interesting details and of statistical information is included in comparatively a narrow space. There is much in this volume to interest as well as to instruct, and much that is useful for occasional reference. For Baptists generally, it is a compendium of valuable information; and especially should it be welcomed by that branch of the Baptist body for whose benefit it is particularly intended. Their ancestors had the honour of being the first, in modern times, to advocate the sacred rights of conscience. They did this almost a century before Locke advocated the views they had asserted. The honour of publishing the pamphlet entitled "Persecution for Religion judged and condemned," has been claimed by our Independent brethren, but the claim is unfounded in truth-it belongs to the General Baptists. This volume records the sufferings and faithfulness of these servants of our God.

I take the liberty of cordially recommending it to Christians,to Baptists, and more especially to the members of the New Connexion of General Baptists.

LET THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF THAT BODY LEARN from this VOLUME WHAT THEIR PREDECESSORS ENDURED, IN SUPPORT OF THE PRINCIPLES THEY MAINTAIN, AND TO SECURE THE PRIVILEGES THEY ENJOY; and let them learn to be followers of them who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises.

J. G. PIKE.

Derby, May 21, 1847.