The Association of Historic Baptists

The Earthen Vessel

The Earthen Vessel is a 19th century magazine promoting the values of Strict and Particular Baptist Churches. Its 21 volumes comprise the complete set of monthly publications extending over a 20 year period (1845-65). The magazine was printed in London by the following publishers: (1) James Paul, 1846-55; (2) Banks, 1848-55, 1857-65; (3) Houlston & Stoneman, 1855-6; (4) Patridge, 1856-8; G. J. Stevenson, 1859, 1862, 1864-5. The editor was Charles Waters Banks and by 1859 its circulation had reached to more than 8,000. The content included a variety of materials including theological essays, devotional articles, sermons, anecdotes, poetry . . .

1. Why, Tempted Soul, Complain?

The few lines now sent were written after visiting two poor distressed aged females, who lived in a garret in Doctor's Commons, and who complained much of the roughness of the path through which they were called to pass. On my second visit I read these verses to them, which, from their own statement, was made a blessing to them. They have long since been called into an eternal world, and though poor and destitute in this world, in temporal matters, they were rich in faith, and I have no doubt they are now singing the high praises of a covenant God—where all sorrow and sighing, is for ever done away.

2. The Believer’s Two-Fold Legacy: Grace and Glory

Grace! What a great word is this! The eternal favor of the Eternal God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, without fluctuation, variation or change; in which divine favor, God’s people everlastingly stand; nor can sin, death or hell, get them out. And when this great and glorious gift is bestowed on its elect objects, instead of tending to what is called Antinomianism, it leads to soul-astonishment; clothes its unworthy recipient with humility; bringing him, or her, to wonder why, or wherefore, God should have been thus gracious to them while so many are passed by.

3. Heaviness of Heart

“Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh him glad.”—Prov. 12:25 I believe all natural men are the subject of heaviness in the heart, and sadness of heart, at times, to a greater or less degree, produced by disappointment and vexation, blasted hopes and blighted affections; and I believe that all natural men are, at times the subjects of gladness, produced by worldly advantages, prosperous circumstances, and smiling prospects; but the diversity of feeling expressed . . .

Particular Redemption

Kevin Price sits on the committee of the Strict Baptist Historical Society. He has also served as a pastor for more than thirty years and has enjoyed an itinerate ministry in both the United Kingdom and the United States. His commitment to the historic values of the Strict Baptists has secured for many congregations a stedfast voice of support and encouragement.

Is Jesus Christ merely a potential Saviour, or is He a certain Saviour? Did He die to make redemption possible to all sinners, or did He die to secure redemption particularly for those whom the Father has given Him? The answers to these questions strike at the heart . . .

A Heart Experience

Kevin Price sits on the committee on the Strict Baptist Historical Society. He has also served as a pastor for more than thirty years and has enjoyed an itinerate ministry in both the United Kingdom and the United States. His commitment to the historic values of the Strict Baptists has secured for many congregations a stedfast voice of support and encouragement.

While creeds and confessions have their place in the life of a Christian, they are insufficient to secure for the believer a relationship with God. Luke 24 highlights a four-fold 'heart experience' that should characterize the life of every child of God.

Authorised Version: Safeguard of the Gospel – Part 1

Dr. David Allen served as pastor of the Free Baptist Church, Belvedere, Kent from 1983 to 1990. He has subsequently served as a Deputation Speaker for the Trinitarian Bible Society from 2000 to present. He is a Senior Speaker with TBS and highly esteemed for his defense of the Gospel as preserved in the Authorised Version.

"What think ye of Christ?" This is the question with which Jesus confronted the Pharisees and it is the subject which comprises Dr. Allen's first challenge on why the Authorised Version remains the most reliable English translation of the Bible today.

Authorised Version: Safeguard of the Gospel – Part 2

This is the second study on why the Authorised Version remains the most reliable English translation of the Bible today.

Strengthening the Bonds of Brotherhood

The Apostle Paul uses the term "brethren" fourteen times with reference to the recipients of his letter. In this study, the letter as a whole is first expounded, providing a backdrop for the precepts announced in the text. The text itself is then unfolded with special emphasis on the peacefulness and faithfulness each believer is to demonstrate in his relationship with others. Encompassing the whole subject of Christian brotherhood is the Sovereign Grace of God that not only ushers a sinner into fellowship with Himself, but also sustains the saint in his relationship with the brethren.

Earnestly Contending for the Faith

Two of the greatest challenges facing any church is the persecution brought against her by oppressors, and the perversion of truth wrought within her by deceptive members. It is Jude's purpose to deal with the latter problem, wherein he provides a helpful guide in not only identifying the true Christian, but also exposing false professors. This study seeks to challenge the testimony of every professing believer, by bringing all claims to Christ under the scrutiny of His Sovereign Grace.