Andrew Fuller was arguably the most influential Particular Baptist theologian in the second half of the 18th-century. Fuller was born into a poor, farming family in Wicken, Cambridgeshire on February 6th, 1754. He was converted in November of 1769 and baptized in April 1770. By May 1775, Fuller was ordained as the pastor of the Particular Baptist church of Soham. After pastoring there until 1782, Fuller would go on to become the pastor of another Particular Baptist church in Kettering where he would minister faithfully until his death in 1815.

This particular essay on Baptism was drawn up by Andrew Fuller for the Northamptonshire Baptist Association in June 1802. The essay was featured as the central piece in that year’s circular letter. Circular letters were a significant part of Baptist life, and it was typical for each association to publish one at the end of their annual gathering. These letters would be enjoyed by attendees throughout the following year. The topics of these letters could range anywhere from concise theological clarifications to general encouragements to Christian living. In light of a “great increase in the churches” that year, Fuller determined to lay out what he called the “practical uses of Christian baptism.”

Andrew Fuller was convinced that “no part of true religion is merely speculative,” rather, he asserted that “the whole is designed and adapted to sanctify the soul.” That includes the ordinance of Christian baptism. Fuller’s short essay provides an excellent overview of baptism from the perspective of a Particular (Reformed) Baptist. In a time when the outward symbols of our faith have lost much of their significance in ecclesiastical instruction, Fuller’s treatment is a hearty reminder of the great lessons communicated to us through the Lord’s institution of baptism.

“There is no part of true religion that is merely speculative: the whole is designed and adapted to sanctify the soul. We may presume, therefore, that if baptism be an ordinance of God, and of perpetual obligation in the church, it is of importance to Christian practice.”

“The religion of Jesus consists partly of truths to be believed, and partly of precepts to be obeyed; and the ordinance of baptism furnishes motives for a faithful adherence to both.”

“Let us never forget, that however adapted this or that ordinance, form, or mode of church government, may be to promote our spiritual interests, yet if we rest in the means, they will deceive us; or rather, we shall deceive ourselves. It is the presence of Christ only that can keep us alive, either as individuals, or as churches.”