Hardshell Falsehoods

Elder Lemuel Potter, in his debate on the "means question," with Elder W. T. Pence, in 1890, said:

"I took the position that none of the Baptists, Gill, the London Confession of Faith, Dr. Watson, or any of the Old School Baptists took the position that he did; that the anti-means position was not a new thing among the Old School Baptists."  (Copied from "Zion's Advocate," 1890, pages 243-250)

http://www.carthage.lib.il.us/community/churches/primbap/Potter-Pence1st.html

What gross falsehood!  John Gill, in all his writings, taught means in regeneration/new birth.  He taught it in his Commentary, in his Body of Divinity, and in his Cause of God and Truth.  What can one say of a man who would utter such falsehood?

The London Confession of Faith also clearly teaches means in regeneration and effectual calling.  Again, it is just utter falsehood.

Finally, it is clear that Elder Watson also taught means, and I have given numerous citations from Watson in my writings that prove it. 

Elder W. H. Crouse, in his book on "Regeneration," a Hardshell textbook on the subject, said about Elder Watson.

"If “belief of the truth” is connected with regeneration, HOW much of the truth does one have to believe to be regenerated? Elder Screws says all “thus chosen are caused to believe the truth.” (Vol. 3, No. 7, page 1.) He admits that but few of our people throughout the United States for many years have believed that God regenerates through the preached word; Dr. Watson, in his attack upon our people, charged us with having woefully ignored the teaching of the Bible on this line. Now if Elder Screws and Dr. Watson have the truth, the rest of us have not--the denomination has not believed the truth on this point."  ("Regeneration," Chapter 6)

http://primitivebaptist.info/mambo//content/view/794/36/

Crouse followed Daily in saying that John Gill changed his mind and taught against means in his Body of Divinity and in his Cause of God and Truth than what he taught in his Commentary.  But, I have shown how this is false.  I have cited numerous statements from these latter works where Gill affirmed the same thing that he taught in his Commentary.  But, Crouse never denies that Dr. Watson taught means, and thus would disagree with Potter about the views of Watson.

Elder David Montgomery, present day Hardshell, wrote:

"Elder John M. Watson in his book, "The Old Baptist Test or, Bible Signs of the Lord's People" (Pub. 1867), said many good and necessary things that would be pertinent to the church today, but to be honest, there are several passages from the book that I completely disagree with. Perhaps an examination of Elder Watson's book could become another item of discussion among us."  ("Proving Time Salvation")

http://primitivebaptist.info/mambo//content/view/626/36/

I wonder which parts of Watson's book that Montgomery disagreed with?  Was it not his belief in means in regeneration?  Yes, let us have some honest discussion about the testimony of Elder Watson!

In the "Mt. Carmel Church Trial," we find these words:

"Now, we will quote some more recent authorities on the subject of Means. Elder Burnam in his deposition, page 17, quotes the Old Baptist Test, edited by John M. Watson, in 1867, who visited this very church in Luray and was well received and greatly esteemed and admired by Baptists here. He says, in Old Baptist Test:

“As the Father draws sinners to Christ by means which he has ordained to that end, let us not fail to employ them.”

Elder Burnam says that this Old Baptist Test was a recognized standard in the faith, and he had never heard it contradicted."

http://primitivebaptist.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=828&Itemid=36

Was Burnam not correct about the views and authority of Elder Watson?  What Hardshell can deny that Watson was a recognized leader of the Hardshells in the beginning?

Elder S. Hassell on Watson:

"Nearly thirty years ago “the beloved physician,” Eld. John M. Watson, professor of obstetrics in the medical department of the University of Nashville, Tenn, wrote in the "Old Baptist Test,' these wise and warning words: "We have become too ultra in most things. How great the change! Watchman! what of the night? I hear one respond, All is not well! another, that strange winds of doctrine are blowing; another, that the sickly dews of heresy are falling thickly around us, many are sickly and weak; another, that the sound of another gospel is heard in our midst, whereby many are being bewitched. I hear something of heavenly origin! Listen: "Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.' O, Israel, to you tents! Gird on the sword of the Spirit! put on the whole armor of God! Set up the waymarks and, in holy boldness and meekness, defend them against all heretical defacers! Above all things, avoid those prevailing ultraisms which are now eating on the Old Baptist Church as doth a canker--dividing churches and Associations, and disturbing the order and peace of the Baptists generally. Rebuke the ultraist whenever you meet with him--reclaim or reject him--let him be regarded constantly as the worst enemy of the Baptists of the present day!"  ("Interpreting the Scriptures-The Spiritual Interpretation of Scripture" - The Gospel Messenger--April 1893)

http://primitivebaptist.info/mambo//content/view/847/36/

Hassell did not denounce Watson but considered him a leader among the Hardshells. 

What Hardshell wants to come along and defend the statement of Elder Potter about the teachings of Gill, the London Confession, and of Elder Watson?