Elder Jesse Cox on Hardshell Sabellianism

 

Elder Jesse Cox

1793 - 1879

In an old post of mine on Hardshell Sabellianism (here) I cited from The Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor where Elder Jesse Cox wrote in reply to Elder James Osbourn saying that many "Primitive" or "Old School" Baptists of the Mississippi valley held to Sabellianism. Elder Cox (1793–1879) was a prominent 19th century Primitive Baptist minister, historian, and pioneer resident of Williamson County, Tennessee. He served as the second pastor of the Big Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church, succeeding Elder Garner McConnico. I visited with Elder Milton Lillard who pastored these churches when I was a young "Primitive Baptist" and he spoke to me of his predecessors in the Nashville area, such as Elder McConnico, Elder John M. Watson, Elder R.W. Fain, etc. He also spoke of Elder Cox. Cox wrote a commentary on the Book of Revelation which I read parts of years ago, and was quite disappointed in his handling of that text, giving interpretations of its parts that were uniquely his own. 

Here is what Cox wrote (1839):

"1 am truly glad to hear from Bro. Osbourn through the medium of your paper, and am sorry to see the opposition that seems to be raised against him on account of his doctrine, and especially that coming from the state of Ohio. 1 cannot but believe that some mistake, or misuuderstanding has taken place; for we heard him preach frequently, and conversed with him often; and we heard nothing but what we fully believe, especially upon the Holy Trinity, and the work and office of the Holy Spirit. But Bro. Osbourn has written and published a letter in the Advocate, that would go to represent that all the Baptists in the Great Valley of the Mississippi hold the Sabellian heresy. That a great many in some parts of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio hold it, there is no doubt; but in this part of Tennessee, we as a denomination do not. And among the ministry I know of none; and I believe that Bro. Osbourn would say we do not. In a word, we believe, that there Are Three That Bear Record in Heaven, The Father, The Word, And The Holy Ghost, And That These Three Are One. Not three in office, but three in person, One in Three, and Three in One—one in will,—one in wisdom, one in power, perfectly united together by the same divine principle. like, for instance, the sun that illuminates our world; there is the body, the heat, and the light completely united in one, and yet three; and deprive it of one of these properties, and it would cease to be what it is. But I leave this important subject for more able heads than mine. May the God t»f all grace comfort and support you. Dec. 1839. Yours, in gospel bonds, Jesse Cox." (pg. 153 of Vols. 3-4 of the Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor - see here)

So, here is more proof of the widespread Sabellianism among many of the first generation of "Primitive" or "Old School" Baptists. Further, my historical research shows that most first generation Hardshells tolerated such heresies respecting the Trinity. Elder James Osbourn, however, vehemently denounced this rampant heresy, but he seems to be the only one who did so.