Conversion Is Rebirth (more evidence)

In the "Advocate and Monitor" (Volumes 3-4) from the 1830s, edited by Daniel E. Jewett (see here), one of the three "Primitive" or "Old School" periodicals in that first decade of their existence as a separate denomination, we have much evidence to show what the first Hardshells believed about regeneration, conversion, perseverance, means, predestination, duty faith, addressing the spiritually dead, etc. Over the past many years I have often cited from this periodical.

Note:  As a note of interest to some of our readers, we will inform them that after Elder Jewett's death, C. B. Hassell, who was a widower, married Jewett's widow. Mrs. Jewett became step mother to Sylvester and Sylvester in his writings mentions this and of his affiliation with his step brothers.

First, in regard to preaching the gospel to the unregenerate, and of their duty to believe it, we have these words (emphasis mine):

"...which publication must be made by Immanuel's order, "to every creature," or to all men indiscriminately: all of whom are under moral and solemn obligations immediately to extend full credence thereto, when it is announced; not as condition of life, but as a day of life, or upon the same principle upon which they are required to love God..." (pg. 71)

Note what the first "primitive" or "old schoolers" believed and let us ask whether today's Hardshells still believe these things. Do they believe that the gospel is to be preached to those who are unbelievers? Do they believe, like the writer of the above words, that all men are "under moral obligations" to "give credence" (believe) to that "publication" of the good news? Do these words uphold the "duty faith" view or oppose it? "When" is the gospel a "day of life" to the sinner? When it is announced, says the writer.

Next, we find these words:

"We think that God, as the moral Governor of the universe, has his Claims on all intelligent creatures for their immediate, continued and faithful obedience; which is always to be urged upon the principle of moral obligation, and not of moral ability, whether of saints or sinners." (pg. 96-100)

Oh how far away from this truth have our modern PBs strayed! Lost sinners have a "moral obligation" even though they have no "moral ability."

Regeneration Is Not The Birth

In the same periodical we read these words:

"In these remarks you will see, that it is our belief, that the preached Gospel, the power of truth, the influence of motive and the force of argument, all exert a 'converting, but not & regenerating influence. As a principal point of difference which led to the unhappy division of our Church was respecting the work of regeneration, and the extent of human depravity, we wish to express ourselves with particular reference thereto.

Regeneration we understand to be a blessing...without this blessing, no one will ever be "begotten through the Gospel," or "with the word of truth." (ibid)

Do you see how the first PBs believed that regeneration was not the same as the new birth? And, that they believed that gospel conversion, or coming to believe and repent, was being begotten by the gospel?