Here, Volume 2 tells the story of Baptist beginnings in America, and looks at the inspirational contributions of those such as Lottie Moon and Ann Judson in the growth of the Baptist Church. They shared the views of their English brethren, and were able to be instrumental in the new world in the achievement of separation of church and state.
The pioneer spirit combined with the movement of God's Spirit in the first Great Awakening to produce massive growth of Baptists in New England, the Middle Colonies particularly the South and indeed around the world.
In this delightful second volume Nettles has picked up where he left of, with another hugely informative and authoritative work, which cements his standing as a groundbreaking pioneer in Baptist history.
Volume 3 due out in 2007!
'Like the First Volume, it is well written and easy to read. Baptist Historians will find much familar ground covered in this work however, this reviewer particularly appreciated section two where the essential doctrine of providing vignettes of kep people in the Baptist story also makes his work more accessible to general readers which is always commendable.'
reviewed in The Baptist Quarterly and also Connect (Baptist Union of Scotland) by Rev Dr Brian Talbot Minister, Carbrain Baptist Church, Cumbernauld,
'These volumes have already resulted in Nettles being described as a groundbreaking pioneer in Baptist history. This reviewer has no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending both of these two volumes, and is very much looking forward to the third one seeing the light of day.'
R. Jeremy Brooks, Ramsey, British Church Newspaper
'Tom Nettles has produced a book that is wonderfully informative and, through its profiles of God honouring historical figures, should serve as encouragement to all.'
Christians Today.'
'In this volume Dr. Nettles moves his readers from Baptists' beginnings in Great Britain to those critical areas of development in Baptist identity: religious liberty, separation between church and state, American Baptist confessional heritage, dynamics of Baptist church government, associational organization, and foreign missions issues. Careful research, clarity of thought, and inspirational quality are evident throughout, and these qualities commend The Baptists as a great blessing to readers in the 21st-century.The wide range Baptist personages, fidelity to historical detail, and warmth of piety, should make this work the definitive choice by readers who seek an accurate and inspiring knowledge of those who contributed so significantly to the Baptist heritage. By the grace of God and for the glory of Christ, may it receive the welcome reception that it deserves among a wide range of readers.'
C. Berry Driver, Jr., Dean of Libraries Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Fort Worth, Texas
