Baptist Association Endorses J. R. Graves Baptist History, Heritage & Distinctives … Baptist Association Endorses Graves … J. R. Graves

Baptist Association Endorses J. R. Graves J. R. Graves / Alexander Campbell Dispute

Baptist History, Heritage & Distinctives … Baptist Association Endorses Graves … J. R. Graves

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Part 1

THOMAS E KRESAL ADMIN · JUNE 20, 2020

Baptist History, Heritage & Distinctives – Baptist Association Endorses Graves – PART ONE

J. R. Graves / Alexander Campbell Dispute By Samuel H. Ford, 1900There was no man who delivered such trip-hammer blows on the system of teaching called Campbellism as did J. R. Graves. Mr. Campbell, as a general thing, ignored Graves, or treated him as a misrepresentative of the Baptist people and claimed to have evidence that the Baptists generally disapproved of Graves’ course. So frequently and emphatic were these statements by the leader of the “Current Reformation,” that the General Association of Middle Tennessee and North Alabama, at its session in Winchester (TN) in 1854, thought it necessary to pass the following preamble and resolutions:”Whereas, Alexander Campbell, in a late number of his Millennial Harbinger, has asserted that the doctrines contended for by the editor of the Tennessee Baptist are not approved by the Baptists of Tennessee, and that he is in possession of letters from many distinguished Baptist ministers, condemning the course of Bro. Graves, as editor of the Tennessee Baptist, in his recent controversy with him (Mr. C.), and awarding to Mr. C. as much orthodoxy as they claim for themselves. And whereas, we believe that the doctrines advocated and enforced by the editor of the Tennessee Baptist, are sustained by the word of God, and are the same which have distinguished Baptists in all ages from the beginning of the Gospel; and whereas, we believe that the so-called “Current Reformation,” as represented and propagated by Mr. C. and his followers, is a system of gross heresies, opposed to the teachings of the Gospel, subversive of all spirituality in religion, and destructive to the souls of men and whereas, we regard the charge put forth by Mr. C. as an unjust imputation upon the character of the Baptist ministers and churches in the State. Therefore,”Resolved, That we fully indorse the positions of the editor of the Tennessee Baptist, in his recent exposure and triumphant refutation of the pernicious dogma of baptismal regeneration, and kindred doctrinal errors of the so-called ‘Current Reformation.'”Resolved, That it is due to the Baptist ministry in Tennessee, that the injury Mr. Campbell has done them by the published imputation of secretly harboring heretical sentiments, and giving him aid and sympathy in his war upon the doctrines of our holy faith, should be atoned for on the part of Mr. C., by a publication of the letters and names of those ministers and brethren he refers to; and should he persist in casting suspicion upon our ministers, by withholding the publication, that we shall treat Mr. Campbell’s charge as false and unfounded.”Resolved, That we recommend the Tennessee Baptist as an able and valiant defender and advocate of the faith of the Gospel, and faithfully devoted to the interests of the Baptist denomination.”Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be incorporated in the proceedings of this body and a copy of the same forwarded for publication in the Tennessee Baptist.John W. King, Chairman.”Presented by Thomas E. Kresal – From Ford’s Christian Repository and Home Circle, August, 1900, pp. 487-493.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3243135192404817&set=gm.1296033187258494&type=3&eid=ARDAMR4bvwlq_v51CgSs-GgsVezJXXgb009FqiykVzJGIATI3eLbqQVL0IKL-ZnCPlEyKGYIcOXJ8-qH&ifg=1