Description: Hanserd Knollys (1609-91) was a godly pastor/leader and prolific writer among the early Calvinistic Baptists of the seventeenth century. His life and ministry demonstrated a heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite imprisonment and persecution, he preached the gospel continuously and asked nonbelievers to "open the door" of their hearts to Christ. As for believers, he exhorted them to worship God "in spirit and truth," live holy lives in both "the form and power of godliness," and prepare and watch for the imminent second coming of Christ. As his friend Thomas Harrison said, "He was a Preacher out of the Pulpit as well as in it." It is hoped that this summary of his life and timeless message will spur believers to reach the world with the gospel.
Brief description:
Barry Howson is the Academic Dean of Heritage College and Seminary, and teaches in the areas of theology and church history. He is the author of the book Erroneous and Schismatical Opinions: The Question of Orthodoxy Regarding the Theology of Hanserd Knollys (c.1599-1691) (2001).
Review Quotes: "The development of Baptist churches and doctrine in the seventeenth century coincided with great political turmoil in England, and leading those churches required courage, conviction, and skill. One of those special people was Hanserd Knollys, and this book gives us an edifying glimpse into his remarkable ministry."
--Stanley K. Fowler, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Heritage College & Seminary
"Using seven biographical and topical essays, this excellent primer captures the contributions of an important early Baptist. Hanserd Knollys' story needs to be known widely for, as a devout pastor and scholar who lived and suffered in turbulent times, the Evangelical faith he modeled and the doctrines he articulated are still important for this generation."
--Robert S. Wilson, retired Thomas James Armstrong Memorial Senior Professor of Church History, Acadia Divinity College