Studies In Baptist History And Thought The seventeenth century was a
significant period in English history during which the people of England
experienced unprecedented change and tumult in all spheres of life. At
the same time, the importance of order and the traditional institutions
of society were being reinforced. Hanserd Knollys, born during this
pivotal period, personified in his life the ambiguity, tension, and
paradox of it, openly seeking change while at the same time cautiously
embracing order. As a founder and leader of the Particular Baptists in
London, despite persecution and personal hardship, he played a pivotal
role in helping shape their identity externally in society and
internally, as they moved toward becoming more formalized by the close
of the country. ""Hanserd Knollys was among the most prominent, and
probably the most learned, of the early Baptist leaders. In one of the
most thorough studies of a seventeenth-century Baptist that we possess,
Dennis Bustin shows how the interplay of conscience and conformity
worked out in his long life."" --David Bebbington, Professor of History,
University of Stirling, UK ""Dr. Bustin has written an admirable book
that carefully works through significant primary and secondary material.
Overall Paradox and Perseverance attains a high scholarly standard, and
also enriches our understanding of the religious history of the English
Revolution."" --Ian Gentles, from the Foreword ""A definitive study of a
central figure in the early Baptist story, this work also sets a
benchmark for future monographs on Baptist leaders of this era.
Utilizing an exhaustive examination of all of the relevant primary
sources, Bustin is able to make an informed and judicious assessment of
Knollys' significance within his Baptist world and also in the wider
historical context. A fine piece of scholarship!"" '--Michael A. G.
Haykin, Principal and Professor of Church History and Reformed
Spirituality, Toronto Baptist Seminary, Toronto, and Visiting Professor
of Church History, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville,
Kentucky, USA Dennis Bustin's early studies focused on New Testament
studies and backgrounds, including a ThM from Harvard University.
Following this, he shifted his attention to history earning an MA and
PhD from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. His research
continues to concentrate on the Stuart era of British history. Dr.
Bustin is currently Associate Professor of History at Atlantic Baptist
University in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
