Father would not
1) Shut Up (though many tried), but kept right on preaching what he thought was right
2) Let Up (he was steady and non-stop in his service to God and would never quit)
3) Give Up (As a soldier of Jesus, he would never surrender)
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Respect for Father by "Church of Christ" Leaders
Pat Donahue wrote to me:
"Steve - how did your Dad die?, Tommy and I loved him to death."
Thomas Thrasher then wrote to me next:
"I am saddened to learn of your Dad's death. Although we disagreed on many theological issues, I counted him as a beloved friend. I appreciated very much his interest in defending in a kind way the things he believed. I treasure our associations and interactions over a period of nearly 45 years. I will miss him."
Respectfully,
Thomas Thrasher
Dad had several debates with these men and spent much time with them outside of the debates. So too have I had debates with them and know them. Thanks Pat and Thomas!
"Steve - how did your Dad die?, Tommy and I loved him to death."
Thomas Thrasher then wrote to me next:
"I am saddened to learn of your Dad's death. Although we disagreed on many theological issues, I counted him as a beloved friend. I appreciated very much his interest in defending in a kind way the things he believed. I treasure our associations and interactions over a period of nearly 45 years. I will miss him."
Respectfully,
Thomas Thrasher
Dad had several debates with these men and spent much time with them outside of the debates. So too have I had debates with them and know them. Thanks Pat and Thomas!
Dr. R. E. Pound on Hardshell Factions
Dr. Pound knows more about the history of the Hardshells than any man, though he is not affiliated with those who call themselves "Primitive Baptists." His writings can be found at
http://particularbaptistlibrary.org/authors.html (HERE)
Dr. Pound believes many of the errors of the first Hardshells, such as being a denier of the Trinity, a believer in eternal vital union, etc.
The only other man I know who knows as much or more than I do about Hardshell history, is professor John Crowley, author of "Primitive Baptists of the Wiregrass South."
Here is what Pound wrote about the first generation Hardshells:
"In those days the Old School brethren were in three groupings on theology: 1. The Delaware River and the Warwick, Samuel Trott, grouping, the deniers of Nicenism; 2. The Ketocton association, with John Clark, the followers of Niceinism; 3. The followers of Wilson Thompson, a Sabellian, who denied that the Father and the Son entered into an eternal covenant because these were not two distinct Beings, but only personalities of the One Divine Being. It seems to me that at the first, these divisions among the old schoolers was not over absolute predestination, but OVER NICENISM."
Most Hardshell preachers do not know this about their history. Those that do know these things want to keep it all swept under the rug.
I would add one thing to what Dr. Pound wrote. Not only was the absolute predestination of all things not an issue in the 1830s and 1840s, but neither was the issue of gospel means in the new birth. All the first Hardshell leaders all professed a belief in means and in absolute predestination.
http://particularbaptistlibrary.org/authors.html (HERE)
Dr. Pound believes many of the errors of the first Hardshells, such as being a denier of the Trinity, a believer in eternal vital union, etc.
The only other man I know who knows as much or more than I do about Hardshell history, is professor John Crowley, author of "Primitive Baptists of the Wiregrass South."
Here is what Pound wrote about the first generation Hardshells:
"In those days the Old School brethren were in three groupings on theology: 1. The Delaware River and the Warwick, Samuel Trott, grouping, the deniers of Nicenism; 2. The Ketocton association, with John Clark, the followers of Niceinism; 3. The followers of Wilson Thompson, a Sabellian, who denied that the Father and the Son entered into an eternal covenant because these were not two distinct Beings, but only personalities of the One Divine Being. It seems to me that at the first, these divisions among the old schoolers was not over absolute predestination, but OVER NICENISM."
Most Hardshell preachers do not know this about their history. Those that do know these things want to keep it all swept under the rug.
I would add one thing to what Dr. Pound wrote. Not only was the absolute predestination of all things not an issue in the 1830s and 1840s, but neither was the issue of gospel means in the new birth. All the first Hardshell leaders all professed a belief in means and in absolute predestination.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Where Is The Historian?
Nearly all Hardshells know about their leading "historians," especially that of Elders C.B. and Sylvester Hassell. Yet few today, if any, know much about the history of either Baptists in general or of their own "Primitive Baptist Church." Are there no historians among the Hardshells today after the order of Hassell(s), Newman, Redford, Craig, etc.?
There are two modern Hardshells who have seemed to want to be thought of as the modern day Hassell, knowing the most about Hardshell history. These are Harold Hunt and Michael Ivey, both of whom have written revisionist histories at which the Hassells would have laughed. I have written extensively against these two seekers of the title of "Supreme Hardshell Historian."
Well, I tell you, I challenge any Hardshell to come forward and show that they know more of their history than I do. That is why there has not been one Hardshell to come forward to disprove all the evidence I have presented to show that the Hardshell histories contain numerous errors, some even intentional.
There are two modern Hardshells who have seemed to want to be thought of as the modern day Hassell, knowing the most about Hardshell history. These are Harold Hunt and Michael Ivey, both of whom have written revisionist histories at which the Hassells would have laughed. I have written extensively against these two seekers of the title of "Supreme Hardshell Historian."
Well, I tell you, I challenge any Hardshell to come forward and show that they know more of their history than I do. That is why there has not been one Hardshell to come forward to disprove all the evidence I have presented to show that the Hardshell histories contain numerous errors, some even intentional.
Preachers Rejected by Familiars
Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." (Mark 6: 4 NIV)
Is what Christ said of a "prophet" also true of a preacher or pastor? Further, what does this fact say to us? Is this fact because "familiarity breeds contempt"?
"It is hard to believe in the supremacy of one, whom circumstances marked as our equal, and to admit the chieftainship of one who started side by side with us." (Expositor's Bible Commentary)
Is that it? Is that the reason? Well, one thing is clear, for whatever reason a man of God is often lightly esteemed by his own kin.
Is what Christ said of a "prophet" also true of a preacher or pastor? Further, what does this fact say to us? Is this fact because "familiarity breeds contempt"?
"It is hard to believe in the supremacy of one, whom circumstances marked as our equal, and to admit the chieftainship of one who started side by side with us." (Expositor's Bible Commentary)
Is that it? Is that the reason? Well, one thing is clear, for whatever reason a man of God is often lightly esteemed by his own kin.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
19th Century PB Periodicals & Citations
It is a good thing for modern day researchers of the "Primitive" or "Old School" (Hardshell) Baptist church that the first several periodicals of the denomination are now available on the Internet. If one will read these first periodicals, he will learn what the first Hardshells believed. I hope that today's Hardshells will take the time to read these periodicals and discover how far they have removed from what their forefathers believed. These three periodicals were the leading voices for the newly formed Hardshell denomination:
Signs of the Times (began in 1832 - see here)
The Primitive Baptist (began in 1835 - see here)
Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor (began in 1838 and sometimes called "The Advocate and Monitor" - see here and here)
Vol. 1 of "The Primitive Baptist" (1836)
Q. Why then is vengeance pronounced against them that obey not the gospel?
A. Because there is no way of escape from the vengeance due to breach of law, but by the gospel, or being born again, which embraces obedience to the gospel.
Q. And why is condemnation pronounced against him that believeth not? (St. John 3: 18--St. Mark 16: 16)
A. Because there is no way from under condemnation, but through faith. (Eph. 2: 8--Mark 16: 16) (pg. 292)
Q. How does Christ's righteousness become indeed our justification?
A. It is imputed to us through faith in him. (Rom. 5: 1--Acts 13: 39-=-Rom. 1:17--4: 11, 6: 8 11, 22, 23, 24-- Gal. 3: 16) (pg. 293)
"No, the Lord tells his preachers to go, and I believe he will make them go and preach, and make his people believe; for he says, my people shall, not may, be a willing people; but shall be a willing people in the day of my power." (pg. 306)
"...how sadly they will be mistaken, when they have to share their portion with hypocrites, (and all unbelievers in God's plan of salvation by grace) in the lake that will burn like fire and brimstone." (pg. 312)
Signs of the Times (began in 1832 - see here)
The Primitive Baptist (began in 1835 - see here)
Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor (began in 1838 and sometimes called "The Advocate and Monitor" - see here and here)
Vol. 1 of "The Primitive Baptist" (1836)
Q. Why then is vengeance pronounced against them that obey not the gospel?
A. Because there is no way of escape from the vengeance due to breach of law, but by the gospel, or being born again, which embraces obedience to the gospel.
Q. And why is condemnation pronounced against him that believeth not? (St. John 3: 18--St. Mark 16: 16)
A. Because there is no way from under condemnation, but through faith. (Eph. 2: 8--Mark 16: 16) (pg. 292)
Q. How does Christ's righteousness become indeed our justification?
A. It is imputed to us through faith in him. (Rom. 5: 1--Acts 13: 39-=-Rom. 1:17--4: 11, 6: 8 11, 22, 23, 24-- Gal. 3: 16) (pg. 293)
"No, the Lord tells his preachers to go, and I believe he will make them go and preach, and make his people believe; for he says, my people shall, not may, be a willing people; but shall be a willing people in the day of my power." (pg. 306)
"...how sadly they will be mistaken, when they have to share their portion with hypocrites, (and all unbelievers in God's plan of salvation by grace) in the lake that will burn like fire and brimstone." (pg. 312)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Fellow Soldiers, My Father and I
Our Agreement
1. Agreed on far more than we disagreed upon in holy things, and I rejoiced greatly in our fellowship in those things for over forty six years.
2. I believe what dad believed from the years 1958 till 1964 when he was a true old or primitive Baptist, being a sovereign grace missionary Baptist in the likeness of Spurgeon and Gill.
3. My dad helped to form Christ in me by his preaching of the gospel of sovereign grace in the winter of 1970-71. He baptized me in the Cumberland Gap, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, in August of 1972 and was the lead elder in my ordination at Thompson Memorial Primitive Baptist church in the summer of 1974.
4. He was without question born of the Spirit, and one who persevered and overcame by faith. All who knew him could see that he loved Jesus and his last fifteen minute sermon was on "what Jesus means to me."
5. I fought side by side with dad over those schismatic Hardshell brethren who declared the historic Christian view of the fall of Lucifer (Satan) from the third heaven to be a heresy and a test of orthodoxy.
6. I fought side by side with dad over the "KJV Onlyism" among the Hardshells.
7. I fought side by side with dad in debates with the Campbellites, being his moderator in one, and he the moderator in one of mine. We both battled Arminianism.
8. I fought side by side with him against the idea that God has subjective faith.
9. I fought side by side with dad against the quasi and outright Universalism and No-Hellism among the Hardshells. We stood side by side in affirming that the story of the rich man and Lazarus taught what happens to men when they die and destroyed Universalism.
10. I fought side by side with dad against Elder Jarrel and others who denied the eternal sonship of Christ.
11. I fought side by side with dad against those who opposed supporting ministers financially, and full time pastors, and against those who were opposed to meeting every Sunday.
12. I fought side by side with dad against several other errors, many too numerous to mention.
Now, I cannot exclude what is already rather well known, that dad and I had our disagreements, in much the same way that Elder Sylvester Hassell disagreed with his father C.B. Hassell.
All the following errors are the things he once opposed before he became a Hardshell, from 1958 to about 1964-65. These are the things I, dad's son and former Hardshell, now reject and know to not represent the teaching of Scripture nor what our old Baptist forefathers taught.
Dad's Major Errors (which he once rejected from 1958-1964) but changed when he became a "Hardshell Baptist."
a) No means regeneration, or new birth without faith.
b) Preservation of the elect that does not involve their perseverance.
c) Amillenialism instead of Premillenialism.
d) Failure to adhere to the historical-literal interpretation of scripture
e) Not allowing people to repent of "marital adultery" and be baptized, eat the Lord's Supper, and to become members of the church.
f) Believing that the Great Commission was not binding on all disciples and on the church as a whole.
g) denial of the absolute predestination of all things (the all encompassing decrees of God)
In conclusion, know that father is now in heaven and has no errors. Any errors he held while here on earth are forever gone for he has perfect knowledge of all things (in error about nothing). If he could now speak to me or to his converts and church, he would tell us all to discard the errors he taught and to keep tight hold on the truth that he taught.
1. Agreed on far more than we disagreed upon in holy things, and I rejoiced greatly in our fellowship in those things for over forty six years.
2. I believe what dad believed from the years 1958 till 1964 when he was a true old or primitive Baptist, being a sovereign grace missionary Baptist in the likeness of Spurgeon and Gill.
3. My dad helped to form Christ in me by his preaching of the gospel of sovereign grace in the winter of 1970-71. He baptized me in the Cumberland Gap, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, in August of 1972 and was the lead elder in my ordination at Thompson Memorial Primitive Baptist church in the summer of 1974.
4. He was without question born of the Spirit, and one who persevered and overcame by faith. All who knew him could see that he loved Jesus and his last fifteen minute sermon was on "what Jesus means to me."
5. I fought side by side with dad over those schismatic Hardshell brethren who declared the historic Christian view of the fall of Lucifer (Satan) from the third heaven to be a heresy and a test of orthodoxy.
6. I fought side by side with dad over the "KJV Onlyism" among the Hardshells.
7. I fought side by side with dad in debates with the Campbellites, being his moderator in one, and he the moderator in one of mine. We both battled Arminianism.
8. I fought side by side with him against the idea that God has subjective faith.
9. I fought side by side with dad against the quasi and outright Universalism and No-Hellism among the Hardshells. We stood side by side in affirming that the story of the rich man and Lazarus taught what happens to men when they die and destroyed Universalism.
10. I fought side by side with dad against Elder Jarrel and others who denied the eternal sonship of Christ.
11. I fought side by side with dad against those who opposed supporting ministers financially, and full time pastors, and against those who were opposed to meeting every Sunday.
12. I fought side by side with dad against several other errors, many too numerous to mention.
Now, I cannot exclude what is already rather well known, that dad and I had our disagreements, in much the same way that Elder Sylvester Hassell disagreed with his father C.B. Hassell.
All the following errors are the things he once opposed before he became a Hardshell, from 1958 to about 1964-65. These are the things I, dad's son and former Hardshell, now reject and know to not represent the teaching of Scripture nor what our old Baptist forefathers taught.
Dad's Major Errors (which he once rejected from 1958-1964) but changed when he became a "Hardshell Baptist."
a) No means regeneration, or new birth without faith.
b) Preservation of the elect that does not involve their perseverance.
c) Amillenialism instead of Premillenialism.
d) Failure to adhere to the historical-literal interpretation of scripture
e) Not allowing people to repent of "marital adultery" and be baptized, eat the Lord's Supper, and to become members of the church.
f) Believing that the Great Commission was not binding on all disciples and on the church as a whole.
g) denial of the absolute predestination of all things (the all encompassing decrees of God)
In conclusion, know that father is now in heaven and has no errors. Any errors he held while here on earth are forever gone for he has perfect knowledge of all things (in error about nothing). If he could now speak to me or to his converts and church, he would tell us all to discard the errors he taught and to keep tight hold on the truth that he taught.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Thank You Sonny, Lasserre, and Paul!
I write this with tears of joy in my heart over the calls from three elders in the "Primitive Baptist Church" who knew my father well, and who I also know very well, to express their comfort and offer words about their appreciation of dad and his ministry,. They are leaders in the church today and "fathers" to most "old school" Baptists who know them. They are Sonny Pyles, Lasserre Bradley Jr., and Paul Trautner. More to come, the Lord willing. Thanks my brothers! God bless you all.
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