Elder John M. Watson (medical doctor) of Tennessee and Elder John Clark of Virginia (editor of "Zion's Advocate") were two of the leaders in the formation of the "Primitive" or "Old School" Baptist denomination. Yet, today, their writings have been buried. Twentieth century Hardshells loved to preserve the writings of C. H. Cayce, John R. Daily, and others of their ilk from the late 19th century, yet they did not want to preserve the writings of Watson and Clark. In the previous posting we cited from Elder John Clark. Now, let me cite from Watson.
"Our not exhorting sinners to repent and believe, is a gross deviation from the gospel rule, and a palpable perversion of the great commission under which we preach." (page 517 of his book "The Old Baptist Test" and previously cited by me HERE)
Neo Hardshells are, according to Watson, guilty of serious heresy!
We believe as did Watson and Clark!
We saw how Clark referred to the Hardshells as "hyper straight-laced" brothers. Watson called them "modern innovators" and "ultraists."
"Some of our ultraists are occasionally heard to say, in our pulpits, that they have no authority to preach to sinners, and they seem to glory in their fancied exemption. Nothing appears to give them greater offence, or savors more of Arminianism with them, than for sinners to be exhorted to repent!" ("Old Baptist Test," pages 327, 328) (see here)
Today's Hardshells are the very "ultraists" that Watson condemns! He refers to their "ultra doctrinal course" and "ultra tenet."
He calls them "modern innovators." Today's Hardshells need to know these things about their past.
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