LAUREL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (KY) NON CALVINIST

 The Laurel River Baptist Association in Kentucky, was formed in 1831. Originally titled as United Baptists, they later adopted the name Missionary Baptists after the mission/anti mission controversy.

The Committee which was comprised of men in the Laurel Association to write the history, wrote about a Hardshell Calvinist faction which rose up under the influence of  Rev. B.R. Caudill. An article on the history of this association which was prepared for the 1898 session, records the following statement, showing another instance of Calvinist infiltration, prying to change the doctrine and practice of the entire association. We can also see that this faction was evidently "Baxterian Calvinist" in belief. You can read about Baxterian Calvinists here  and a Baxterian association here .

"In the year 1881 Rev. B. R. Caudill, a regular predestinarian Baptist, came among us and effected an organization of that faith and secured a following in a number of our churches. By denouncing all missionary efforts, Sunday-schools, theological schools, temperance, benevolent and charitable institutions, he drew to himself a number, both in and out of the church, who were opposed to any or all of these. He offered affiliation with those of our churches who would adopt a resolution of non-fellowship with those institutions which he thus denounced."

When they call Caudill a "regular predestinarian Baptist" it is obvious that the association was not Calvinist, for had they been so, he would not have been considered an outsider who "came among us. They also spoke of him effecting an organisation of "that faith", not their own. The association therefore was not "regular predestinarain Baptist. " 

 "They (the followers of Caudill) then declare their belief in "unconditional personal election" and that all of "Adam's line (or posterity)" may come to Christ and receive a "conditional Salvation." The meaning of which we conclude neither they nor anyone else can understand, and then complete the farce by claiming to be the old original association of United Baptists, against which they had just declared non-fellowship. (From The Baptist Argus, October 13, 1898, p. 10) 

So we see here that the infiltrators were NOT the original association.

 Noticeably absent from the articles of faith of the Laurel Association, is any mention of limited atonement, irresistible grace and unconditional election. The corruption of human nature is present, but without declaring total depravity. Any Non Calvinist or Provisionist could sign their name to these articles. The articles of faith adopted in 1831 are as follows;

 ARTICLES OF FAITH
Ordered we have articles of faith printed as follows:
Motion by David Asher that Principles of Union be printed in
the Minutes. It is so ordered.
Article 1. We believe in one living and true God, the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in essence, power and glory, yet
these are not three, but one God.
Article 2. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testament are the written word of God, and the only infallible rule
of faith and practice.
Article 3. We believe in the fall of Adam and the corruption
of human nature, and the impotency of man to recover himself by
his creature ability.
Article 4. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of
God by the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to them.
Article 5. We believe the saints will continue in a state of
grace, and not one of them shall finally be lost.
Article 6. We believe there will be a resurrection of the dead
and a general judgment, and the happiness of the righteous and the
punishment of the wicked will be eternal.
Article 7. We believe the visible Church of Christ is a congre-
gation of faithful persons who have attained fellowship with each
other, and have given themselves up to the Lord and one another,
having agreed to keep a Godly discipline, agreeable to the rules of
the Gospel.
Article 8. We believe it to be the duty of all churches to make
an abridgement of their principles as deducted from the Scriptures
as their covenant or constitution.
Article 9. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Great Head of
the church, and the government is with the body.
Article 10. We believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are
ordinances of the Lord, and to be continued by His church until His
second coming.
Article 11. We believe that true believers are the only proper
subjects for baptism, and that immersion is the only proper mode.
Article 12. We believe we have no right to admit any to com-
mune with us at the Lord's table but orderly baptized church
members.
Article 13. We believe it to be the duty of all churches to keep
a record book and record of their official church acts.

The history can be read in full here .







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