Baptists and the Writing of Literature in the Nineteenth Century

ABSTRACT The attitude of Baptists towards writing creative literature in the nineteenth century was a matter of priority rather than widespread prejudice. This article suggests that on a highest level of priority, though ranked below the writing of theology, sermons and the defence of Christianity, seems to have been the production of essays, as closest in style and content to theology. Then came the writing of verse, sometimes rising to the level of poetry, and thereafter numerous examples of biography and juvenile fiction, with some autobiography. Less frequent are short stories and historical novels, and finally there are rare instances of the adult novel. This article offers examples of all these genres, and suggests that the order of priorities stems from the high value that Baptists placed on truthful witness to inner spiritual pilgrimage. As wider background, the article considers the part played by Baptist booksellers and editors in fostering the writing of literature.