Elder (Dr.) R.W. Fain

1807-1876

 

I am happy to have finally found a picture of this PB minister! Of Elder (Dr.) R.W. Fain (Richard). I have been looking for years and have had no success till yesterday. It was the same way with trying to find a picture of Elder (Dr.) John M. Watson. Such is the labor of historians! When we finally find and see what we have been looking for we are exhilarated. 

The above pictures were taken from a genealogical page (See here). There is an error on the second picture as Elder Fain did not die in 1870 but in 1876. The book "Biographical History of Primitive or Old School Baptist Ministers" (See here) also has his death occurring in 1870. But, the tombstone shows 1876. That same history has a short write up of this elder, saying that he was a close friend and associate of Elder John Watson and was the one who wrote the introductory essay to the work of Watson titled "The Old Baptist Test," of which Fain helped to publish after the death of Watson in 1866. 

According to the Primitive Baptist library (here) Dr. Fain was editor of these papers:

HERALD OF TRUTH Elder R. W. Fain, (1807-1876), Shelbyville, Tennessee, founder, in 1858. Elder John M. Watson may have later served as editor of this paper. No issues of this paper have been located yet. 

THE BAPTIST WATCHMAN The Baptist Watchman began at Jasper, Alabama, in 1868. It was moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 1869, then to Nashville, Tennessee in 1872. Elders R. W. Fain (1807-1876) and B. E. Mullens (1831-1895) were editors, and Elder J. Bunyan Stephens (1836-1919) associate editor, in 1872. Publication suspended in the fall of 1880.

THE OLD BAPTIST BANNER The Old Baptist Banner began publication in 1838, at Nashville, Tenn., with Elder Washington Lowe as founder and editor. In 1840 the name was changed to The Correspondent. Elder Lowe served as editor until 1839. Elder John M. Watson (1798-1866) then moved the paper to Murfreesboro, Tennesssee, and probably served as editor until his death. Elder R. W. Fain then served as editor, probably assisted or followed by C. W. Nance at Nashville, Tennessee.

I was able to purchase some copies of the Baptist Watchman from Southern Baptist Historical Library in Nashville several years ago and I have copies of them on a USB drive. I have scanned through much of these copies and have shown how it continued to teach the gospel means position (the original position of the first PBs of the 1830s) and perseverance of the saints (rather than mere preservation). (See my postings showing this here and here and here and here)

I also referred to a written debate between Fain and R.S. Duncan on the issues that divided the Hardshell Baptists from the Missionary Baptists, which debate was published in both the Baptist Watchman and of "The Baptist" which was edited at the time by the famous J.R. Graves (R.B.C. Howell was the original editor and an opponent of Dr. Watson). You can read my initial write up (here). A follow up can be read (here). I have read the debate between Duncan and Fain on the question of the historicity of missions among Baptists and Protestants and of course I believe Duncan showed that the missions being conducted by the Baptists in the early 19th century (which were protested against by the Hardshells) were not new as Dr. Fain asserted. However, I admire Fain for his willingness to debate and also his remaining a believer in gospel means. In fact, let me now cite from Fain's Introduction to Watson's Old Baptist Test.

From "Introductory Essay" by R.W. Fain

"Upon this principle, the Gospel is preached to all, repentance and an interest in a Savior’s blood is offered to all. The charitable invitation "whosoever will" goes out to all inviting them to "take the water of life freely."

"While all Gospel Ministers feel the weight of duty in extending this invitation, yet they know at the same time, that a depraved will is under a wicked influence, and that such a will never leads a soul to Christ. But that God is able to subdue the stubborn will, to change the evil disposition, and to prepare the sinner for salvation, in opposition to the devil and all his unholy influences.

Then, Brethren in the ministry, we should take courage. Let us go forth "with the whole armor of God" and do battle for his cause. Let us preach Jesus Christ our Saviour "the way, the truth, and the life." Let us preach Him a choosing, Electing, and loving Saviour. Let us rear the blood stained BANNER OF THE CROSS, with the blessed and heavenly watchword "whosoever will," inscribed in living letters over its ample folds." (pages 9-16)

Fain also wrote the following in that Introduction:

"The writings of Gill, Flavel, Huntingdon, Elisha Cole, Booth, Boston and Osborne have been a source of great comfort and edification to the writer; and he most earnestly and confidentially recommends their writings to others." 

Well, those men believed in the gospel means position! Further, the words of Fain regarding gospel invitations shows you neo Hardshells are not in agreement with this founding father of your denomination.

My PB brothers, Elders Watson and Fain were recognized leaders of your fellowship and they held to the original position of your denomination. The fact that you no longer believe in means and in perseverance is proof that you are not "original" as you claim.