BAPTIST CONFESSIONS OF FAITH illiam By W. J. MCGLOTHLIN, Ph. D., D. D. Professor of Church History in the Author of "A Guide to the Study of Church History," etc. PREFACE AN effort has been made to bring together in the following pages the most important statements of doctrine. put forth by the various bodies of Baptists scattered throughout the world. Material was in hand to make the volume more complete, but the limits of space forbade the incorporation of a few Confessions and catechisms which might have been expected. It is believed, however, that no Confession of much importance which had any large circulation in any language has been omitted. The volume presents all the material necessary to acquaint one with the doctrinal position of the Baptists throughout the world, and makes an impressive presentation of their substantial unity, with some exceptions, on the more important points of our religion. It is also noteworthy that doctrinal differences have been melting away until there is probably a greater measure of agreement at present than ever before. Special thanks for valuable assistance are due to the management of Colgate Library, Hamilton, N. Y., which contains the best collection of the sources of Baptist history which can be found in this country; to Rev. W. T. Whitley, D. D., Preston, England; to Rev. Claus Peters, Hamburg, Germany; to Rev. C. E. Benander, Stockholm, Sweden; to Rev. H. Andru, Compiègne, France; and to others who have in one way or another aided in the discovery of material or the gathering of information. Some details as to editions of some of the English Confessions have been gleaned from the unpub V |