Elder Joshua Lawrence on Calling

In this entry I want to cite from "The Primitive Baptist" periodical for March 11, 1837 (see here), from the words of Elder Joshua Lawrence, one of the foremost leaders of the Hardshells at the time of the split with the general Baptist family. I have in previous postings already showed that Elder Lawrence believed in things that today's Hardshells do not believe, such as in gospel means and in perseverance. (see here)

Wrote Lawrence (emphasis mine):

4th. That of an effectual calling of the elect from darkness to light, and from the power of sin and satan unto God, to be a partaker of eternal salvation, is also an apostolic doctrine. First, the foreknown and the predestinated to a conformity to his Son, are also predestinated to be called. Romans 8:30. And here are two verses that show who are called, and the design of calling. Romans 9:23: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. Verse 24: Even us whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles. And also who he calls, the vessels of his mercy, afore prepared unto glory. And here you see the design of God is, to make known the riches of his glory on these vessels of mercy. I Cor. 7:17: As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. It is a calling of God's grace. Gal. 1:15: It pleased God, who called me by his grace. I Thess. 2:12: Who called you to his kingdom and glory. 4:7: For God hath not called us to uncleanness. 2 Thess. 2:14: Whereunto God called you by his gospel. I Peter 5: 10: The God of all grace who hath called us. Now all these texts prove that the calling of a sinner is the act of God by his grace, and Romans 11:19 prove that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. Philippians 3:14: For the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:0: An holy calling. Heb. The heavenly calling. I need not multiply texts further on this doctrine, for it would be almost to transcribe the scriptures, it is so full of proof that the elect shall be called of God."

Notice how Lawrence believes, like all his brethren in the 1830s, that the calling to life and salvation, to which the elect are predestined, is "by the gospel" and cites II Thess. 2: 14, just as did his forefathers in the 1689 London Confession.

Lawrence continued:

6th. But those thus foreknown, beloved, elected, called, and justified, shall persevere by the sufficient grace of God given them, through all temptations, trials, and difficulties, and come forth and be glorified in heaven, is clear from all God's absolute promises made sure to them. Such as: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but have passed from death to life--I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. With a thousand others of like import. The oath of God to these heirs of promise, secures their perseverance to the kingdom prepared for them."

That is Old Baptist doctrine! Come back to it my Hardshell brethren!