The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Baptists, Two-Seed-in-the-Spirit

BAPTISTS, Two-Seed-in-the-Spirit, had their origin in the preaching and ultra-Calvinistic doctrines of Daniel Parker, a Baptist elder and preacher of Tennessee. Parker, who was ordained in 1806 in Tennessee became one of the strongest opponents of the organized work of the Church. In 1817 he moved to Illinois, where he continued his opposition to the work and organization of the regular Church for 19 years. Later he went to Texas. In various pamphlets (1826-29) Parker made public some very peculiar theories he held concerning the introduction and perpetuation of evil in the human race. According to these beliefs, God, when He created Adam and Eve, infused into them particles of Himself, thus making them altogether good; the devil corrupted them by infusing into them particles of himelf. Eve, by predestination, brought forth a certain number of good and a certain number of bad offsprings; and all her daughters after her were predestined to do likewise. The atonement, according to Parker, applies only to those born of the good seed, those born of the bad being absolutely lost. This Baptist sect is uncompromisingly opposed to “all human institutions.” They are found in 21 States and have nearly 500 churches and nearly 13,000 members.