First Hardshells On Birth & Conversion

In the 1839 issue of "The Primitive Baptist" (see here) we find these words from a writer:

"We read in Matthew 4lh chapter and I5th verse: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19. And he saith unto them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Why did  not Jesus Christ call some of the eminent scribes or pharisees to publish his gospel, and not poor unlearned fishermen without credit or authority? Because it was the kingdom of heaven they were to preach, and their teachings were to come from above; besides the conversion of sinners, though it benefited instrumentally by the preaching of the gospel, yet the grand agent in it is the Spirit of God. As the instruments were comparatively mean, and the work which was accomplished by them was grand and glorious, the excellency of the power at once appeared to be of God, and not of man. And thus the glory due alone to his name was secured, and the great operator of all good had the deserved praise." (pg. 92)

Notice what the writer believes about "conversion." The Spirit is the "agent" and the "preaching of the gospel" is the "instrument." Further, there does not seem to be any doubt about the elect being converted.

In the July 23, 1836 (1st) issue, we find these words:

"Dear brethren, permit me to ask a few plain questions, for the express purpose that the missionaries may answer them if they can: Do not all Christians know, that Christ has converted every soul that ever was converted? Do they not know, that he will convert every one that ever will be converted? Do they not know, that he will do it at the very time he has appointed? Do they not know, that men cannot get a soul converted one moment before the than appointed by the shepherd of the flock, nor keep it lick one moment longer? Under such impressions as these what have we to do but to obey?"

God will convert the sinner, make him a Christian, and will not fail in doing so. Is that what today's PBs believe?

The author (MORRIS) continued:

"I know that our enemies are saying, if so why do we preach? for if God intends to save a definite number, it is in vain...I would not preach nor exhort if God had not commanded it. But as he has told me what it is for, that is, this way he intends to bring his people to the knowledge of himself. And not only so it was his "will to create the heaven and earth by his word; and also to bring his people to the knowledge of the truth by the same word; as such, this word is sufficient to do it, and no other. But he has not sent his word to save any other people but his own, and he cannot save them without it; for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and without faith it is impossible lo please him. So I conclude by subscribing myself yours in the best of bonds."

Preaching the gospel is the "way he intends to bring his people to the knowledge of himself"! Notice the importance of the word as an instrument. Knowledge of the truth comes "by the same word" and "this word is sufficient" thereunto. Salvation requires that one have faith, and to have faith, one must hear the gospel.

In the 1858 issue, we have the CIRCULAR of the THE BUTTAHATCHIE (ALA.) ASSOCIATION (page 10 of the pdf - see here) and these words therefrom:

"Our dear neighbors fall out with us very often and call us hard names, because we cannot agree that they can at the appointed times and places make christians, when we are certain that man could just as easily make a world. We can alarm and warn sinners, which is our duty, but to emerge them from nature's night, into the marvellous light and liberty of the Gospel of Christ, not all the saints and angels of Heaven could do it. The most beautiful figure upon that subject is used by our Saviour to Nichodemus, wherein he compares it to a birth. Let us talk plain, and bid that false refinement get behind us - Ye must be born again. Could all the men and women on Earth, affect a birth without complying with the Laws of nature? Must there not be a begetting, a jestation or travail? This so; then there must be a Father. Hear the Apostle speak upou this subject who, says he, (speaking of God) hath begotten us to a lively hope, &c. When Zion travails she brings forth."

Notice the reference to the begetting preceding the travail and the birth. Notice how God is pictured as the Father, in the begetting, and how "Zion" is the mother who "brings forth." Notice also that the "begetting" and the birth "travail" is what makes a person a "Christian." Also, the "light" that is turned "to" is the light of the gospel.