A Cloud of Witnesses

Calvinistic Baptists in the 18th Century

Book Details

Discerning Reader Editorial Review

Reviewed 01/06/2009 by Scott Lamb.

Recommended. Short biography of lesser-known but godly Baptist figures from the 18th century.

Here is a slim volume of less than 100 pages by Michael Haykin, a man full of conviction, humility, and piety. A Cloud of Witnesses provides 5-8 page biographies of ten Baptists from the 18th century, many of them little-known. While Abraham Booth (chapter 4) and John Ryland (chapter 5) are perhaps recognizable names, few have heard the names of Coxe Feary (chapter 7), Mrs. Anne Dutton (chapter 3), and Hercules Collins (chapter 1).

For every Matthew Henry and John Bunyan of the period, countless Baptist pastors labored faithfully among their flocks with scant potential of notice by future historians. Haykin writes: “Such great names inspire, but it is the churches themselves that challenge us most. Each was a united, spiritual family. Pastors were more concerned to find spiritual satisfaction among their own people than to establish reputations in the evangelical world.”

This book delivers concise knowledge of these figures, but does so in an authentic way that reveals some of their personal failings. For example, Haykin writes of John Thomas: “His friends, like Carey and Andrew Fuller, noted that his character had a number of glaring faults - he was prone to extreme mood swings, was sometimes easily angered, had little money-sense, and was given to impatience.” (53) And yet, God used such men as Thomas in powerful missionary service, imperfect though he was.

May this slim volume inspire you in your own Christian walk and ministry.