November 27, 2020
Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives
New England Baptists 1638-1776 AD – Old Landmarkers
Protestants Persecute Baptist in Colonial New England
PART FOUR

July 19, 1651, Messrs. John Clark, pastor of the Baptist Church at Newport, O. Holmes, and Crandel, members of the same, upon the request of William Witter, of Lynn, arrived there, he being a brother of the church, who, by reason of his advanced age, could not undertake so great a journey as to visit the church (Newport). He lived about two miles out of town. The next day, being Sabbath, Mr. Clark concluded to preach in his house. In the midst of the sermon two constables appeared, and arrested them, and carried them away to an ale house first, and then proposed to carry them to the meeting.

Mr. Clark replied: “Then we shall be constrained to declare ourselves, that we cannot hold communion with them,” i.e., even by appearing in their religious assemblies. “We shall declare our dissent from you both by words and gesture.” The constables persisted. Says Mr. Clark: “At my first stepping over the threshold, I unveiled myself, civilly saluted them, and turned into the seat I was appointed to, put on my hat again and sat down, opened my book, and so fell to reading.”

It will be seen that he was not invited up into the pulpit or even called upon to close by prayer! At the close of the sermon Mr. Clark arose and courteously asked permission to state why he was there, and why he put on his hat to declare his dissent: “I could not judge that you were gathered together and walk according to the visible order of our Lord.”
(more on Clark, Holmes & Crandal – to be continued)

Presented by Thomas E. Kresal from excerpts: Graves, James R.. Old Landmarkism: What is it? . First Vision Publishers. Kindle Edition. Chapter 15

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