Tuesday, May 30, 2017

C.B. Hassell on Predestination in Doctrinal Advocate

In The Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor for 1840 (see here), we have a letter from C.B. Hassell to Daniel Jewett the editor. The following are some excerpts which show that the elder Hassell believed that Romans 8: 28 included all things without exception. (enphasis mine)

Dear Brother Jewett,

May the Lord strengthen thee in thy course, prosper thy work, increase thy faith and redouble thy patience, if consistent with His most holy will. I rejoice to witness thy perseverance, meekness and resignation to the will of almighty God under all thine embarrassment. It looks like gold that is well refined, and increases our confidence. By are what we are,—therefore, commendations oven lead to self-abasement.

Such a work as the 'Adv. and Monitor' is, I think, much needed, and would be acceptable to the old school Baptist generally, even in connexion with some one or more of the other old school Papers that are published in this country. Because while the others abound principally with letters, and in many instances relative to matters of a local nature, the object of yours is, I understand, to chiefly consist in Selected Pieces, Extracts, Essays and Sermons; all diving deep into 'the hidden things' of the Gospel, developing the mysteries of Godliness, and bringing to light treasures new & old for the edification and comfort of God's dear children."

"If I were in the habit of regretting any thing that occurs in the order of Divine Providence, I should perhaps regret, that any thing like a spirit of controversy among Brethren had appeared in your Paper. But, I think, I too well know in whom I have trusted to believe otherwise, than that God will maintain his government of the world and of his Church in special; bring order out of confusion, cause even the wrath of man to praise Him, and so order all things eventually as to make them 'work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.' 'For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate them he also called: and whom he called them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?' 'He that glorieth, let him Glory In The LORD;' who ( saith the apostle,) 'knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore, let no man glory in men ; for all things are yours: whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life or death, or things present or things to come; all are yours, and ye arc Christ's: and Christ is God's.

Brother Jewett, I am sanctioned in these cursory remarks by Br'n Joseph D. Biggs and Thomas Biggs, who unite their salutations with mine to you.— Accept from us the little donation enclosed ($ 10.) and may the Lord incline the hearts of others to do likewise, and even much better than this, toward the support of the 'Advocate and Monitor.' Under any circumstances however, we should endeavor to be perfectly resigned to the dispensations of Providence, whether their aspect appear favorable or unfavorable. Send your paper to the names above mentioned. Adieu."
May 15, 1840. C. B. Hassell

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