The tribe of Dan: The new connexion of general Baptists 1770-1891

A study in the transition from revival movement to established denomination. In the Introduction the literature relating to the New Connexion is examined and it is shown that there is scope for a study of the history of the Connexion as a transition from revival movement to established denomination. A brief biography is also given of Dan Taylor, the leader of the movement, who shaped much of its early life. This is followed by an examination of the theological background to the emergence and development of the Connexion in Chapter two "Essential Truths". The "Six Articles" which became a theological reference point for the movement are examined, together with the significance of modifications during the course of the movements life. The theological convergence between General and Particular Baptists is noted. The Connexion's teaching on salvation, the Bible, conversion, faith and the nature of the church are explored. This is followed by the response of the Connexion to theological concerns of the latter part of the nineteenth century: the future life and punishment, biblical criticism, science and secularism. It is argued that the distinctive element of protest was diminished by the development of a theological consensus, that was itself part of a reaction to the growing secularisation of Victorian society. Chapter three examines the way in which organisations and structures emerged developed and in themselves modified the movement which gave rise to them. The origin and background of the Connexion in the "Evangelical Revival" are considered. What did the movement draw on in organisational terms? What was the influence of the Baptist tradition? What was the Influence of Methodism? What was distinctive about the Connexion? The structure of Conferences, Church meetings and Associations that evolved are examined, as is the nature of authority within those structures. This is followed by an examination of the emerging organisations and the role they played in the development of a denominational consciousness. The tension between Independency and Connexionalism is considered. The growing denominationalism is reflected in the debate over two boundary issues Baptism, and The Lord's supper. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the term "new" in relation to the Connexion. "The middle sphere of life", chapter four, examines social and economic structures affecting the development of the Connexion and the way in which the movement responded to these influences. The religious, social and cultural environment in which the movement emerged and developed is examined. The distribution of the Connexion in relation to size of town / village and patterns of land ownership are explored, and it is concluded the Connexion was a rural movement. The influence and significance of "Framework knitting" is discussed, together with the relationship to radical movements such as "Chartism". The effects of economic and social dislocation are observed in relation to the Hinckley church and the response of the Connexion is examined. Evidence of social migration is studied, together with a discussion on the pressures of "respectability" and changing social structures. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.)