"What is a Primitive Baptist," 2001,
by Lasserre Bradley

The August/September 2001 issue of the "Baptist Witness," edited by Lasserre Bradley, of Cincinnati, Ohio, contains a front-page article called "What is a Primitive Baptist?" Part of this article is quoted below, dealing with what Lasserre Bradley says is "much misunderstanding through the years" about the Black Rock Address:

The word "primitive" simply means "first or original." Primitive Baptists continue to place an emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the truth of salvation by grace, as most Baptists did in years gone by.

Because of growing concern over departues from the simple practices by which the early church had been identified, a group of ministers met in 1832 at Black Rock Church near Baltimore, Maryland, and signed a document known as the Black Rock Address. Through this division in the Baptist family, those remaining with the original Baptist faith and practice became known as Old School or Primitive Baptists.

There has been much misunderstanding through the years about what was actually said in the Black Rock Address. Some have incorrectly assumed that Primitive Baptists are opposed to the circulation of the gospel. While it is true that our people will emphatically confirm their position that regeneration is the direct and immediate work of the Holy Spirit, it is also believed that the gospel should be preached as doors of opportunity are opened. The Black Rock document says, "We will now call your attention to the subject of missions. Previous to stating our objections to the missions plans, we will meet some of the false charges brought against us relative to this subject, by a simple and unequivocal declaration, that we do regard as of the first importance the command given of Christ, primarily to His apostles, and through them to His ministers in every age to 'go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,' and do feel an earnest desire to be found acting in obedience thereunto, as the providence of God directs our way, and opens the door of utterance for us. We also believe it to be the duty of individuals and churches to contribute according to their abilities, for the support, not only of their pastors, but also of those who go preaching the gospel of Christ among the destitute."

No further comment is made in the article regarding the Black Rock Address. The impression is given that all that is presently being done by the brethren with whom Lasserre Bradley is identified, is strictly in accord with the Black Rock document, but that is NOT THE TRUTH. Lasserre Bradley's paper, the Baptist Witness, has published articles in favor of the false teaching that the great commission was given to the church, and his own articles seem to favor that position.


The May 2000 issue of Lasserre Bradley's paper, the Baptist Witness, contained an account of the activities of certain men in the Philippines. The following appeared on page 4, as a footnote or editorial comment at the end of the above-mentioned account:

"As I read this account, I was deeply moved to think of how the Lord has blessed the work in the Philippines. Years ago when I first was visiting among the Primitive Baptists I asked a number of ministers what they believed about the spread of the gospel and they all responded alike, that they believed if the Lord impresses a man to go anywhere in the world to preach, he ought to pack up and go. How I rejoice that I have lived to see this happen in the Philippines.

When you consider that all of this work has been done without a mission board or any auxiliary to make it happen, you can see how God has blessed in following the pattern of New Testament evangelism. How we should give thanks for God's wonderful blessing in this work. I am thankful for Elder Jeff Harris who has been a leader in this work. I am thankful for all of our ministers who have gone, the ministers' wives who have gone and been an encouragement to the women over there, the deacons who have gone and assisted in the construction of meeting houses and for Elder Shafer who is also a medical doctor and has been able to assist some with their physical problems. May we all continue to pray for the Lord to bless the Primitive Baptist churches which have been established there and the pastors who serve them.

- Editor.


The above information is in the public domain and may be freely copied without written permission from us.


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