Useful learning

A new book has just been published under the title Useful Learning: Neglected Means of Grace in the Reception of the Evangelical Revival among English Particular Baptists. he book is by Anthony R Cross and has a foreword by Ian Randall.

It contains a section on Benjamin Francis. The blurb says

Explorations of the English Baptist reception of the Evangelical Revival often - and rightfully - focus on the work of the Spirit, prayer, Bible study, preaching, and mission, while other key means are often overlooked. Useful Learning examines the period from c. 1689 to c. 1825, and combines history in the form of the stories of Baptist pastors, their churches, and various societies, and theology as found in sermons, pamphlets, personal confessions of faith, constitutions, covenants, and theological treatises. In the process, it identifies four equally important means of grace.

The first was the theological renewal that saw moderate Calvinism answer "The Modern Question" develop into evangelical Calvinism, and revive the denomination.

Second were close groups of ministers whose friendship, mutual support, and close theological collaboration culminated in the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society, and local itinerant mission work across much of Britain.

Third was their commitment to reviving stagnating Associations, or founding new ones, convinced of the vital importance of the corporate Christian life and witness for the support and strengthening of the local churches, and furthering the spread of the gospel to all people.

Finally was the conviction of the churches and their pastors that those with gifts for preaching and ministry should be theologically educated. At first local ministers taught students in their homes, and then at the Bristol Academy. In the early nineteenth century, a further three Baptist academies were founded at Horton, Abergavenny, and Stepney, and these were soon followed by colleges in America, India, and Jamaica.

Cross is Emeritus Director of the Centre for Baptist History and Heritage and a Research Fellow at Regent’s Park College

The Salopian Zealot

The Salopian zealot: or, The good vicar in a bad mood, by John the dipper can be found here.

The Salopian Zealot - is it by Benjamin Francis?

There is some debate over the work The Salopian Zealot. A Baptist Quarterly article on the Calendar of Letters collected by Isaac Mann and now in the NLW appears to put the question to rest for good. It says that among the letters is one (34) dated 1786. Oct. 13. It is from BENJAMIN FRANCIS (Horsley) to Rev. L. BUTTERWORTH (Evesham).

It apparently refers to some of his own published works, especially the work mentioned, in its 2nd edn. It also mentions: Mr. Thomas (Pershore) and Mr. Spencer.

Regarding The Salopian Zealot , it was a rhymed skit on Richard De Courcy, vicar of St. Alkmond's, Shrewsbury, who in 1776 had published a letter to Samuel Medley of Liverpool, on his baptising some converts at Shrewsbury. There had been a vigorous pamphlet war, and in 1778 this appeared anonymously. This letter t says is conclusive that the skit was not by John Sandys, as thought by a relative of his, who was followed in "A Baptist Bibliography". It was in fact by Benjamin Francis, as asserted by J. A. Jones in a fourth edition, 1837. Francis, in 1778, was 42 years old, and had been pastor at Horsley, or Shortwood, for 20 years.

Thomas Thomas of Pershore left next year for London (Mill Yard First-day church) where he became joint secretary of' the Baptist Union in 1813. Benjamin Spencer, from the Grafton Street church (letter 19) and Bristol Academy, was; pastor at Alcester, preaching occasionally at Astwood Bank.