Hassell Names Founding Fathers

In Hassell's history, we find these words from the close of the chapter on the nineteenth century.

"Some of our ministers who have passed away during this century are the following: John Leland, John Boggs, Thomas' Fleeson, Gideon Farrell, Daniel E. Jewett, Samuel Trott, Joshua Lawrence, Blount Cooper. William Hyman, Thomas Barton, Ichabod Moore, James Osbourn, Burwell Temple, Gabriel Conkling, D. L. Harding, John Staddler, John W. Stamper, Thomas Briggs, William Whitaker, John H. Daniel, Robert C. Leachman, Philander Hartwell, Joseph L. Purington, Robert D. Hart, G. W. Staton, Wilson Thompson, John M. Watson, Isam Cranfill, J. F. Johnson, Clayton Moore, C. B. Hassell, Gilbert Beebe, Jacob Castlebury. Samuel Danks, R. H. Harass and Russell Tucker. My sketch of my father's life, and Elder Gilbert Beebe's autobiographical sketch, will be found in the Appendix to this volume."

What is highly interesting about this is the fact that Hassell (Sylvester alone, or in conjunction with his father, Cushings?) mentions men who were heretics (a fact that he either slights or refuses to mention throughout his history). Let me mention a few things about some of these men.

First, Daniel Jewett. He was the editor of "The Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor" in the early to mid 1830s. Many founding fathers of the Hardshells wrote to this periodical, such as C.B. Hassell, John Clark, etc. In this periodical we find them affirming a belief in the predestination of all things, regeneration or new birth by means of gospel preaching, the necessity of conversion and perseverance for final salvation. When Jewett died, C.B. Hassell married his widow, thus making Jewett's widow the step mother of Sylvester.  How can Hassell claim Jewett as one of his brother PBs when he believed these things?

Next, Samuel Trott. No PB will fellowship this man if he were alive today. He believed in the absolute predestination of all things, in means in rebirth, in eternal vital union, and denied the Trinity. He had other "screwball ideas" too. Knowing all this, how can Hassell claim him as a founding father?

Next, Joshua Lawrence. I have no doubt that Hassell knew that Lawrence believed in means in rebirth, absolute predestination, perseverance, etc. Yet, he claims him as one of his brothers and a founding father.

Next, James Osbourn. Hassell added this information about Osbourn in the same section:

"Elder James Osbourn was an Englishman, who traveled and preached much, and wrote many religious books. Elder Clayton Moore, of Martin Co., N. C, was a profound thinker and instructive speaker; and he, more than any other person, urged my father to undertake and myself to complete this History. Having the published lives and writings of Elders John Leland and Wilson Thompson, I will add some interesting particulars in regard to them."

Have we not shown in postings and citations from Osbourn that he believed exactly as the men just mentioned?

Next, Wilson Thompson. Hassell knew of Wilson's heresy regarding the Trinity, but he makes excuses for him! He also fails to mention the other heresies and "screwball ideas" of Thompson. Like others (such as the first leaders of the Bear Creek Ass.), Thompson held that Christ's human body preexisted before his incarnation and birth in the womb of the virgin. In spite of all this, Hassell wants to claim him as a founding father! He can fellowship such men but not Arminians?

I had rather fellowship them than some of these "screwball" teachers.

Next, John Watson. Really? So, Hassell claims the means PBs as his brothers? Would our modern PBs do the same?

Next, Gilbert Beebe? Really? What PB today claims him? Absoluters yes. But Hassell? What about the other serious errors of Beebe? (Who believed just as Trott)

Come on, my Hardshell brothers, tell us whether Hassell was correct or not in affirming that these men were of the PB family?