ABINGTON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (PA) CALVINIST MAYBE?

 The Abington Baptist Association, formed in 1807, evidently was formed without much assistance from the Philadelphia Association. In fact, the Abington Assn. didn't even open correspondence with the Philadelphia Association. They chose very simple articles of faith which were as follows;

 "Holding the doctrines of three persons in one Godhead, the same in essence, equal in power, but different in office — the total depravity of mankind in their fallen estate — the free grace of God manifested in the recovery of those that believe in Christ — final perseverance of saints from grace to glory — baptism by immersion — the resurrection of the dead — final judgment and the condemnation of the finally impenitent to as long duration as the happiness of the righteous." 

 ^{In my research, I believe the term "free grace" referred to Calvinism 200 years ago, while the term "free salvation" referred to Non Calvinism or Provisionism. I am perfectly prepared to say that this association would fall under the Calvinist label. However, why do their articles of faith only affirm three points of TULIP, assuming "free grace" was meant to refer to the Calvinism? Free grace most specifically refers to unconditional election (free = without condition). Total depravityis affirmed but not defined as most other Calvinist articles, when other Calvinist articles would say "unable to recover himself..." or some similar language. Perseverance is affirmed as well. What is not affirmed is limited atonement and irresistable grace. There is no "definite number" or "particular election" affirmed. If the Abington Baptists were three point Calvinists, they would've had to redefine unconditional election to mean "come as you are" conditioned on faith, else it would have to be irresistible. There were many three point Calvinists who did redefine unconditional election in this way, which means they would not fall under the Calvinist label today.}

^{An interesting remark is found on page 20 of  The History of the Abington Baptist Association which says "the hope entertained that Zion may soon become like a low spreading vine, many more finding
rest under her shadow, and the peaceful reign of  Emmanuel gladdening every heart on earth." I would love to know how Emmanuel could possibly " gladden every heart" under the Calvinist system. Was this an implication that they rejected limited atonement?}

^{Another remark in the history says ".This decade was also marred by doctrinal discussions. At an early period the leaven of Antinomianism, had been gradually infused into some of the churches, silently working and diffusing itself until some two ministers and numerous members were brought under its blighting sway. This sentiment had remained concealed behind the " doctrines of grace," until it was
drawn from its ambush in its zeal to oppose various benevolent efforts and organizations. " The way the term "doctrines of grace" is used here, gives the impression that these wayward churches may have been more calvinistic than the ones who were not "antinomian". This is clearly an indication that some churches believed God decreed even their sin, if they were hiding behind "the doctrines of grace". This also explains why said churches were against "organizations", referring I am sure, to missions boards. In 1835 the Abington Assn. broke correspondence with the Cheming and Warwick associations for being too extreme in both doctrine and practice.} 

^{In my research, it was not unusual to find associations who only affirmed three points, and when the truth is uncovered, we find they were very weak in their Calvinism, questioned or unable to resolve the scriptures which say Christ "tasted death for every man" and that the atonement was was "not for ours only but for the whole world".} 

^{For now I am perfectly willing to place the Abington Association in the Calvinist tribe, but it does show that there were associations that history records as being Calvinist who never affirmed it in totality.}  

 The History of Abington Baptist Association from: 1807-1857. Edward L. Bailey, 1863. Preface and pg 15, 20