Baptist History, Heritage & Distinctives – Patrick Henry & Defense of Three Baptist Pastors – Part TWO of SIX

Thomas E Kresal January 13, 2020

Baptist History, Heritage & Distinctives – Part TWO of SIX Patrick Henry & Defense of Three Baptist Pastors

But circumstances indicate that many sectarian leaders would now lay violent hands on faithful Baptist ministers as in former times. This persecuting spirit is developed from day to day in the sectarian papers, pamphlets and books that are scattered broadcast over the land. The following is found in the Banner of Peace, of November 26, 1868, a Cumberland Presbyterian paper:

“I think the Baptist Church is a clear despotism, if there is one on earth ; and they ought to cover their lips and bury their faces in everlasting shame, and cease to abuse the papacy of Rome, and other sects, as they call them.” Elder N. H. Lee, of the Methodists, says: “It is not the Baptist people, as such, that I oppose, but it is the false principles and bigotry of her priesthood.” No doubt, such Baptist lovers as Elder Lee, and the Banner of Peace (?), if they had the power, would attempt to force Baptists, not only into “everlasting shame,” but to prison and death, on the account of their ” false principles and bigotry,” as their Pedobaptist ancestors, the Catholics, have always done when in power.

The country is fully supplied with books and tracts pouring their wrath, in denunciations, upon the Baptists on the account of their doctrine. Baptist views and history are continually misrepresented and perverted. Some who profess great friendship for Baptists, try to associate their history with the mad proceedings of Munster, or with the nude baptisms of the Catholics. And he who now dares to faithfully advocate Baptist principles, in contrast with the ecclesiastical inventions of modern times, is sure to be followed by a hungry school of ecclesiastical sharks, ready to devour his good name, and stamp, if possible, “everlasting shame” and infamy on his character. But I am happy to know that there are vast numbers of pious persons in the various sects who would not harm anyone on the account of his principles.

(Continued tomorrow – Introducing Patrick Henry’s speech)

Thomas E. Kresal from: Baptist Succession by D.B. Ray, pg. 347