Mosheim, a great Lutheran Historian: "The first century was a history of the Baptists. Before the rise of Luther and Calvin there lay concealed in almost all countries of Europe persons who adhered tenaciously to the principles of the Dutch Baptists,"

"The true origin of that sect which acquired the name 'Ana-Baptist,' is hid in the remote depths of antiquity, and is consequently difficult to be ascertained." ~ (Century Sixteen, part 2, chapter 30).

James Murdock, translator of Mosheim, though opposing the view of Rainerius Saccho, a 13th century enemy of the Cathari, nevertheless quotes him as follows regarding the Waldensian Baptists:

"Their sect has been the most injurious of all to the church of God on account of their antiquity; for they, according to some, originated in the times of the Roman bishop Silvester in the fourth century; and according to others, existed as early as the days of the apostles.

Alexander Campbell: "The Baptist denomination in all ages and all countries has been, as a body, the constant asserters of the rights of man and the liberty of conscience. They have often been persecuted by Pedobaptists; but they never politically persecuted, though they have had it in their power." ~ (Alexander Campbell on Baptism, p. 409, editions 1851, 1853).

"Clouds of witnesses attest the fact, that before the reformation from popery, and from the apostolic age, to the present time, the sentiments of Baptists, and the practice of Baptism have had a continuous chain of advocates, and public monuments of their existence in every century can be produced ." ~ (Campbell - McCalla Debate, p. 378).

"The Baptists can trace their origin to apostolic times, and can produce unequivocal testimony of their existence in every century can be produced." ~ (Campbell's Debate with Walker).

Benjamin Franklin, a minister, "If popery were born too late, or it is too young, to be the true 'church' [assembly], what shall we say of those communions born in the past three centuries? They are all too young, by largely more than a thousand years. No 'church' [assembly] that has come into existence since the death of the apostles can be the 'church' [assembly] of the living God."

John O. Ridpath, Methodist, Historian: "I should not readily admit that there was a Baptist 'church' [assembly] as far back as A.D. 100, though without doubt there were Baptists then, as all Christians were then Baptists." ~ (Jarrell's "Church Perpetuity," p. 69).

What enemies are abroad? Errors are a numerous horde, and new ones appear every hour: against what heresy am I to be on my guard? Sins creep from their lurking places when the darkness reigns; I must myself mount the watch-tower, and watch unto prayer. Our heavenly Protector foresees all the attacks which are about to be made upon us, and when as yet the evil designed us is but in the desire of Satan, He prays for us that our faith fail not, when we are sifted as wheat. Continue O gracious Watchman, to forewarn us of our foes, and for Zion's sake hold not thy peace.

"Watchman, what of the night?" What weather is coming for the Church? Are the clouds lowering, or is it all clear and fair overhead? We must care for the Church of God with anxious love; and now that Popery and infidelity are both threatening, let us observe the signs of the times and prepare for conflict.

"Watchman, what of the night?" What stars are visible? What precious promises suit our present case? You sound the alarm, give us the consolation also. Christ, the polestar, is ever fixed in His place, and all the stars are secure in the right hand of their Lord.

But watchman, when comes the morning? The Bridegroom tarries. Are there no signs of His coming forth as the Sun of Righteousness? Has not the morning star arisen as the pledge of day? When will the day dawn, and the shadows flee away? O Jesus, if Thou come not in person to Thy waiting Church this day, yet come in Spirit to my sighing heart, and make it sing for joy.