The author would first of all acknowledge
his obligation to Mr. Charles H. Greene for the valuable materials, in the way
of books, papers, letters, etc., which he has gathered with much diligence and
labor. Mr. Greene has for years been enthusiastic collector of matter bearing
upon English Seventh-day Baptist history, purchasing at considerable expense to
himself rare books, and carrying on an extensive correspondence with
Sabbatarian churches and individuals in the British Isles. Hearty thanks are
due him from the denomination for this service.
The writer has examined the files of The Sabbath Recorder in Alfred
University, read most of the authorities cited, and verified the quotations
given. The interested reader is invited to consult, for his own assurance, the
works referred to; and to report any errors that he may discover.
The author's task has been a tedious and
difficult one, unsatisfactory in many instances because of the meager results
obtained; but, on the whole, one full of fascination and inspiration. If the
reader shall find in these pages as much to awaken his interest, to warm his
heart and to make him rejoice in the privilege of sharing in such a heritage -
as the writer has derived from his labors and researches, this publication will
not be in vain.
Seventh-day Baptists have no reason to be
ashamed of their ancestry. Sabbath advocates and defenders have been among the
ablest and best of the communities and countries which they have lived and
labored. We can only regret that we know so little of them; yet cannot but
rejoice that what we do know is all worthy of being remembered and handed down
to posterity.
J. L. GAMBLE Alfred, N. Y., Jan 7, 1904.