Benoni Stinson and the General Baptists

by A. D. Williams

The object of this volume is to set Benoni Stinson and the General Baptists in a clearer and stronger light before the public - for they are worthy. They have done a good and a great work, better and greater than even themselves have been aware of....

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BENONI STINSON

AND THE

GENERAL BAPTISTS

OWENSVILLE, IND,:

GENERAL BAPTIST PUBLISHING HOUSE.

1892.

Electronic Edition, 2004

Baptist Library Online

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

The object of this volume is to set Benoni Stinson and the General Baptists in a clearer and stronger light before the public-for they are worthy. They have done a good and a great work, better and greater than even themselves have been aware of.. It is fitting, therefore, that their work should be set forth before those who may profit by it.

Fortunately, while some parts of Stinson's life, and some parts of General Baptist History, are already hopelessly beyond reach, there are still rather ample materials at hand.

Among them are the "Sketches," published by Capt. William Reavis in the General Baptist Herald, in 1877 and 8. They contain much that does not come within the scope of this work. But they also contain invaluable matter concerning Mr. Stinson and his people that has been freely used, and for which the General Baptists owe Capt; Reavis a lasting debt of gratitude. In addition, he has kindly given much aid in the preparation of this volume.

Another valuable source of information is Montgomery's History of the General Baptists. Much of it is occupied with our antecedent history, in England and on the Continent, matter of great importance, and which is accessible to ordinary readers in no other form, but which does not come within our object. But it also contains much that has materially aided us. To Bro. Montgomery, and Dr. Jeff Holeman, General Baptists owe much, that will be even more highly appreciated in the future than at present. Besides this, Bro. Montgomery has given special personal assistance, some of which appears under his own name, and some is so mingled with other matter as to be difficult to specify.

Besides, there are a number of persons, such as Major Cox, J. G. Lane, T. M. Strain, Mrs. Octavia Rose-the only surviving child of Benoni Stinson-Geo. W. Moore, and others, whose recollections go back very nearly to the beginning of our history, who have contributed material assistance. Indeed, every one who has had the means and the opportunity, has been forward to assist -and too many of them to enumerate.

The author is painfully aware that there must be many short comings, both in the conception and the execution of the work. He is especially fearful least in his delimitation of personal character he has not given full credit to ability and worth.

But he hopes to be judged not so much by subsidiary inaccuracies or omissions, which no historical writer can altogether avoid, as by the general scope and character of the work, and the clearness and boldness with which general and more important features are brought out.

He has prosecuted the work at some disadvantage. Burdened with other duties and cares, there has also been a nervous prostration, that has not only sometimes made the work wearisome, but has also prevented the completeness that. might otherwise have been attained. No doubt many items are omitted that should have been inserted, send some things inserted that had better been omitted. But, we have done what we could, and as well as we could, and beg indulgence for our shortcomings.

The General Baptists have much reason to thank God for the prosperity he has given them. Their numbers have doubled in the last twelve years; their repeated attempts at publishing have culminated in a successful weekly paper, The Messenger, and in the establishment of a prosperous Publishing House; they now have efficient missionary operations under way, both home and foreign, and have advanced their educational efforts to a point beyond anything before attained-from which ultimate success is possible. Well may we thank (God and take courage.

For the correction of some mistakes, see Errata, p. 359.

Oakland City College, June, 1892.

The General Baptist Historical Society proudly presents this reprinting of "Benoni Stinson and The General Baptists". We consider this to be the finest record of Benoni Stinson, Founder of the present General Baptist Denomination in America and the pioneer workers in the early days of our Denomination.

 General Baptist Historical Society

Benoni Stinson