mmm THE STAR BOOK ON BAPTIST CHURCH POLITY E. T. Hiscox, D. D. AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 3./^. of « .^JC*'^^ ^^ iUe ®Hw%ia| ^ %/: PRINCETON, N. J. *A ^f« yj^c I Presented byY^oXT^T"^ .\Jv) d7\X-^\\ (SAo\-p\ BX 6207 .A35 H58 1880 Hiscox, Edward Thurston, 1814-1901. The star book on Baptist THZ Star Book ON BAPTIST CHURCH POLITY, Rev. E. T. HISCOX, D.D. Author of Baptist Church Directory, Baptist Short Method, Star Book Series, &c., &c. THIRTY-SEVENTH THOUSAND. PHILADELPHIA : AMERICAN BAPTIST PUELICATION SOCIETY 1420 Chestnut Street. Entered, accori'irij: to Act of Congress, in the yar 1880, by WARD & DRUxMMOND. Successor? to U. D, Warh, lathe office oi i.ne Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. PREFACE TO THE REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION. It is probably safe to say, that two-thirds of the cases of strife and division which rend the churches and scandalize religion, are due to misjudged and misdirected proceedings in Church business, and in the exercise of discipline. It is of the utmost im- portance, that, not only pastors and deacdns, but the members generally, should understand what consti- tutes correct action, since on their vote depend decis- ions which involve the most serious consequences to the churches. Many of the churches have prepared for themselves brief manuals, embracing articles of faith, covenant, rules of order, with various statements of principles. But the greater part of them are very imperfect, and not a few are very erroneous, and misguiding in some of their positions and principles. The object of this little work is to provide a brief manual, which will serve as a guide in the more im- portant concerns, as well as in the ordinary ex- perience of the churches. Its statements and princi- ples, so far as they go, are sanctioned by the almost universal usages of our churches, and will generally "be accepted and approved by the best authorities, on the most careful examination. It is in strict accor- dance with the larger work, the Baptist Church Di- rectory, prepared by the author, and published many years ago, great numbers of which have been circu- lated in all sections of the country, and which is gen- erally accepted as a standard in matters of Baptist Church polity ; and which has passed into five or six translations, and is in general use on our foreign mission fields. The present edition is much improved by a careful revision, and also by the addition of considerable new matter. The Scripture references to the Articles of Faith, omitted in the first editions to save space and expense, have in this been supplied, while, at the same time, the price has been reduced. The need of such a manual, and the value of this to supply the want, are certified by the large sale it has already had, and the universal commendation it has received. It is hoped the pastors and their churches will see the advantage of putting a copy of the Star Book into the hands of every member, and of every candidate for admission. Its general adoption could not fail to add much to the uniformity of Church action, and the harmony of Church life. E. T. H. New York, March lo, 1880. Articles of Faith. I. — The Scriptures. We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction ; ^ that it has God for its author, salvation for its end,^ and truth without any mixture cf error for is matter;* that it re- veals the principles by \\h ch God will juc'ge us ;* and therefore is, ard shall remain to the end of the world, the true centre of Christian union,* and the supreme standard by which all human con- duct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. ^ ' 2 Tim. iii. i6, 17. All Scripture is given by inspiration o^ God, and 1 . profitable f«.T doctrine, f r reproof, 1 r cor- rection, f.r instruct n iri rightrousness; that ihe man of God may be perfect, thorouglily furnished unto all good works. Also, 2 Pet. i. 21. 2 Sarn. xx ii. 2. Act*; i 16; iii. 21. John X. 35. Luke xvi. 29-31. Ps. cxix. iii. Rom. iii. I, 2. ' 2 Tim, iii. 15. Able to make thee wise unto salvat'on. Also, I Pet. i. 10-12, Acis xi. 14. Rom. i. 16. Maik xvi. 16. John V. 38-39. ' Proverbs xxx. 5, 6. Every word of God is pure. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a har. Also, John xvii. 17. Rev. xxii. 18, 19. Rom. iii. 4. * Rom. ii. 12. As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. John xii. 47, 48. If any man hear my words — the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Also, i Cor. iv. 3, 4. Luke x. 10-16 ; xii. 47, 48. 5 Phil. iii. 16. Let us walk by the same rule; let us mind the same thing. Also, Ephes. iv. 3, 6. Phil. ii. i, 2. I Cor. i. 10. I Pet. iv. 11. " I John iv. I. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try thespiritswhether (hey are of Gjd. Isaiah viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony; If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them, i Thess. V. 21. 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Acts xvii. 11. i John iv. 6. Jude 3. 5. Ephes. vi. 17. Ps. cxix. 59, 60. Phil. i. 9-11. II.— The True God. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infi- nite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth :' inexpressibly glorious in holiness,' and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love ; 3 that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; ^ equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.' ' Jo'^n iv. 24. God is a Sii it. Ps. cxlvi'i. 5. His un- ders'ar dirt^ is infinit'*. Ps. Ixxxiii. 18. Thou whose name al ne is J EHOVAH, ort the Most High over all the earth. Heb. i i. 4. R m. i. 20. Jer. x. 10. ' Ex. XV. II. Who is like unto The - — g^ori us in holi- ne- ? Is». vi. 3. 1 Pet. i. 15, 16. Rev. iv. 6-8. 3 Mark xii. 30. Thou shalt love the Lord thy Goi wi'li all ihy he rt, ard with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, antl wi'h a I thv strength. Rev. iv. ir. Thou art w r hy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power. Matt. x. 37. Jer. ii. 12, 13. * Matt, xxvi.i. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations^ bpp izing thrm in the name of the Fa her, and c f thf S n^ and of the Holy Ghost. John xv. 26. i Cor. xii. 4-6. i John V. 7. •John X. 30. I ard my Father are one. John v. 17; xiv. 23; xvii. 5, 10. Actsv. 3 4. i Cor. ii. 10, 11. Phil, if •, 6. * Ephes. ii. 18. For through Him [the Son] we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grsce of our Lord Je us Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Rev. i. 4 5. III. — The Fall of Man, We believe the Scrip*ures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker ; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state ;^ in consequence of which all mankind are now tinners,^ not by constraint but choice;'* being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively 8 inclined to evil ; and therefore under just con- demnation to eternal ruin/ without defense or excuse.* ^ Gen. i. 27. God created man in his own image. Gen. i. 31. And God saw everything that he had made, and be- hold, it was very good. Eccles. vii. 29. Acts. xvii. 26. Gen. ii. 16. ^ Gen. iii. 6-24. And when the woman saw tha^ the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise ; sh • took r f the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Rom. v. 12. ^ Rom. V. 19. By one man's disobedience many were made sinners. John in. 6. Ps. li. 5. Rom. v. 15-19; viii. 7. * Isa. liii. 6. We have turned, every one to his own way. Gen. vi. 12. Rom. iii. 9-18. * Eph. ii. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversa- tion in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the de- sires of the flesh and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath even as ohers. Rom. i. 18. Rom. i. 32; ii. i-id. Gal. iii. 10. Matt. x.\. 15. 6 Ez. xviii. 19, 20. The soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father b^ar t e in-quity of the son. Rom. i. 20. So that they are without excuse. Rom. iii. 19. That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become gxiilty before God. Gal. iii. 22. IV.— The Way of Salvation. We believe the Scriptures teach that the salva- tion of sinners is wholly of grace ; ' through the me iat jrial officer of the Son of God ; - who by the appoinTne..t of the Father, freely took upon him our na ure, yet without sin ; ^ honored the div.ne law by h s personal obedience, "* and by his de:ith made a full atonement for our sins ; ^ that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven ; ^ and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qual fied to be a sui able, a cora- passsionate and an all-sufficient Saviour. ' * Eph. ii. 5. By grace ye are saved. Matt, xviii. 11. 1 John iv. 10. I Cor. iii. 5-7. Acts xv. 11. " John iii. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everiasting life. John i. 1-14. Heb. iv. 14 ; xii. 24. ' Phil. ii. 6, 7. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the hkeness of men. Heb. ii. 9; ii. 14. 2 Cor. V. 21. • Isa. xlii. 21. The Lord is well pleased for his righteous. ness' sake : he will magnify the law and make it honorable. Phil. ii. 8. Gal. iv. 4, 5. Rom. iii. 21. lo • Isa. liii. 4, 5. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. Matt. XX. 28. Rom. iii. 21 ; iv. 25-26. i John iv. 10; ii. 2. I Cor. XV. 1-3. Heb. ix. 13-15. • I Peter iii. 22. Who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels an i authorities and powers being made subject unto Him. Heb. ix. 24. Heb. i. 3; viii. i. Col. iii. 1-4. ' Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Col. ii. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Heb. ii. 18. Heb. vii. 26. Ps. Ixxxix. 19. Ps. xlv. V. — Justification. We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ ' secures to such as believe in Him is justification ; "^ that justification includes the pardon of sin, " and the promise of eternal lite on principles of righteousness ; ^ that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood ; ^ by virtue of which faith his periect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God ; ^ that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. '' » John i. 16. Of his fullness have all we received. Eph. II * Acts xiii. 39. By him all that believe are justified from all thi gs. Isa. iii. 11, 12 Rom. v.ii. i. ' Rom. V. 9. Being justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wra'h through him. Zech. xiii. i. Matt. ix. 6. Acts X. 43. * Rom. V. 17. They which receive the abundance of grace and of the gift ot righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Titus iii. 5, 6. i Pet. lii. 7. i John ii. 25. Rom. V. 21. * Rom. iv. 4, 5. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that work- eth not, but bel eveth on him that justifieth ihe ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness. Rom. v. 21 ; vi. 23. Phil. iii. 7-9. « Rom. V. 19. By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Rom. iii. 24-26 ; iv. 23-25. i John ii. 12. ' Rom. V. I, 2. Being justified by faith, wp have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ : by whom also we have access by faith into this g^ace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. v. 3. Rom. v II. I Cor. i. 30, 31. Mat. vi. 33. i Tim. iv. 8. VI. — The Freeness of Salvation. We believe the Scriptures teach that the bless- ings of salvation are made free to all by the Gos- pel : ^ that It is the immediate duty of ail to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith: - and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earlh, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel ; ^ which re- jection involves hi*^ ^n an aggravated condemna- tion.^ 12 » Isa. Iv. I. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. Rev. xxii. 17. Whosoever will let him take the water of life freely. Luke xiv. 17. ^ Acts xvii. 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to re- pent. Rom. XVI. 26. Mark i. 15. Rom. i. 15-17. 3 John V. 40. Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Matt. " xxiii. 37. Rom. ix. 32. Prov. i. 24. Acts xiii. 46. * John iii. 19. And this is the condemnation, that light is con^e into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Matt. xi. 20. Luke xix. 27. 2 Thess. i. 8. vn. — Regeneration. We believe the Scriptures teach that in orde^ to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again ; ' that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind -f^ thit it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divme truth,' so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel ;■* and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith and new- ness of life.5 • John iii. 3. Verily, venly, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he c innot see ih • kingdom of God. John iii 6, 7. i Cor. i. 14. Rev. viii. 7-9 ; Rev. xxi. 27. ^2 (^or. V. 17. If any man be ia Christ, he is a nevr crea ure. Ez. xxxvi. 26. Deut. xxx. 6. Rom. ii. 28, 29, V. 5. I John, iv. 7. 13 * John iii. 8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not te.l whence it cometh, and whither it goeth ; so is every one that is born of the S irit. John i. 13. James i. 16-18. i Cor. i. 30. Phil. ii. 13. * I Pel. i. 22-25. Ye have purified your souls in obey- ing the truth through the Spirit, i John v. i Eph. iv. 20-24 ; Col. iii 9-1 1. * Eph. V. 9. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness an i righteousness, and truth. Rom. viii. 9. Gal. v. 16-23. Eph. iii, 14-21. Matt. iii. 8-10; vii. 20. i John v. 4, 18. VIII. — Repentance and Faith. We believe the Scriptures teach that repent- ance and faith are sacred duties, and also insep- arable graces, wrought in our souls by the regen- erating Spirit of God ; ^ whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, 2 we turn to God with unleigned contri ion, confession, and supplication for mercy ; ^ at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest, and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufRcient Saviour.-* 1 Mark i. 15. Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Acts xi. 18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted re- pentance unto life. Ephes. ii. 8. By grace ye are saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves ; it is the gift of God. I John v. i. 14 ' John xvi. 8. He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteous ess, and of judgment. Acts it. 38. Th n Peter said un!o them, RcDem, and be baptized everv ( ne of you in the name cf Je.us Christ for the remission of sins. Acts xvi. 30, 31. 8 Luke xviii. 13. And the publican smote uoon his beast, sayiLg, God be merciful 10 me a sinner. Luke xv. 18-21. James iv. 7-10. 2 Cor. vii. 11. Rome x. 12, 13 Ps. )i. * Rom. X. 9-11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the L .rd Jesus, and shalt b lieve in thy heart that God hath rais' d him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts iii. 22, 23. Heb. iv. 14. Ps. ii. 6. Heb. i. 8; viii. 25. 2 Tim. i. 12. IX.— God's Purpose of Grace. We believe the Scriptures teach that elet- tion is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners;' that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end ; '^ that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchange- able ; ^ that it utterly excludes boasting, and pro- motes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy ; * that it en- courages the use of means in the highest degrre; that it may be ascertained by i;s effects in all who truly believe the Gospe) ;^ that it is the foundation 15 of Christian assurance;'' and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.^ ' 2 Tim. i. 8, 9. But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the powtrof God; who hath saved us and call d us with a holy calli ig, not according to cur works, but according (o his own purpose and grace \\.hich was given us in Cbrist Jesus before the world began. Eph. i. 3-14. I Pet. i. i, 2. Rom. xi. 5, 6. John xv. 16, I John iv. 19. Hos. xii. 9. ' 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, be- cause God ha'h from the beginning chosen you to salva- tion, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth ; whereunto he called you by our Gospel, to the ob- taining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts xiii. 48. John X. 16. Matt. xx. 16. Acts xv. 14. ^ Ex. XXX ii. 18, 19. And he said, I will cause all my goodness to pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lo d b f ;re th^e, and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I wi':l show mercy. Matt. xx. 15. Eph. i. 11. Rom. ix. 23, 24. Jer. xxxi. 3. Rom. XI. 28, 29. Jam. i. 17, 18. 2 Tim. i. 9. Rum. xi. 32-36. ■• I Cor. iv. 7. For who maketh thee to differ from an- o her ? and what h -st thou that thou didst rot r ceive ? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it ? i Cor. i. 26-31. Rom. iii. 27; iv. 16. Col iii. 12. I Cor. iii. 5-7 ; xv. 10. ^ 2 Tim. ii. 10. Therefore I endure all things for the elects' s ke, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Chr.st Jesus with e:ernal glory, i Cor. ix. 22. Rcrni. viii. 28-30. John vi. 37-40. 2 Pet. i. 10. i6 « I Thess. 4, lo. Knowing, brethren beloved, your elec- tion of God. ' Rom. viii. 28-30. Moreover, whom he did predesti- nate, them he also called, and whom he called them he also justified, and whom he justified them he also glorified. Isa. xlii. 16, Rom. xi. 29. ®2 Pet. i. 10, II. Wherefore the rather, brethren, ^ive diligence to make your calling and election sure. Phil, iii. 12. Heb. vi. 11. X. Santification. We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctifica- tion is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness ; * that it is a progressive work ; '■^ that it is begun in regeneration ; ^ that it is carried on in the hearts ot believers by the presence and po^ver of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means — especially the word of God — self-examination, self-denial, watchful- ness, and prayer ; ■* and in the practice of all godly exercises and duties.^ * Thess. iv. 3. For this is the will of God, even your santification. i. Thess. v. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. 2 Cor. vii. i ; xiii. 9. Ephes. i. 4. 2 Prov. iv. 18. The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more, imto the perfect day. 2 Cor. iii. 18. Heb. vi. i. 2 Peter i. 5-8. Phil. 12-16. 2 I John ii. 29. If ye know that He [God], is righteous, ye know that every one that dot th righteousness is born of Him. Rom. viii. 5. John iii. 6. Phil. i. 9-n. Ephes. 1. 13, 14, 17 * Phil. ii. 12, 13. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is Gcd which worketh in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure. Ephes. iv. 11, 12. i Peter ii. 2. 2 Peter iii. 18. 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Luke xi. 35 ; ix. 23. Matt. xxvi. 41. Ephes. vi. 18 ; iv. 30. » I Tim. 4, 7. Exercise thyself unto godliness. XI. — Perseverance of Saints. We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure unto the end 1 ' that their persevering attachment to Christ is the ^rand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors ; - that a special Providence watches over iheir welfare ; ^ and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.* ^ John viii. 31. Then said Jesus, If ye continue in my vrord, then are ye my disciples indeed, i John ii. 27, 28; iii. 9 ; V. 18. John ii. 19. They went out Irom us, but they were not of us ; lor if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us ; but they went out that it might be made manifest that they v\ ere net all ol us. John xiii. 18. Matt, xiii. 20, 21. John vi. 66-69. ' Rom. viii. 28. And we know all things work together for good unto them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Matt. vi. 30-33. Jer. xxxii. 40. Ps. xci. II, 12 ; cxxi. 3. * Phil. i. 6. He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. ii. 12, 13. Jude 24. 25. Heb. i. 14; xiii. 5. 2 Kings vi, 16. 1 John iv. 4. i8 XII. — The Law and Gospel. We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government ; ' that it is holy, just, and good ; "^ and that tne inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entire y from their sinful nature ; ^ to deliver them from which, and to lestore them through a Media- tcr to unfeigned obedierce to the hcly Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church."* I Rom. iii. 31. Do we m''ke void the law through faith. God forbid. Yea, we establish the law. Matt. v. 17. Luke, xvi. 17. Rom. iii. 20; iv. 15. ' Rom. vii. 12. T he Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom. vii. 7, 14. 22. Gal. iii. 21. Psalm c.xix. 3 Rom. viii. 7, 8. The carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. S > then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Josh. xxiv. 19. Jer. x ii. 23. John vi. 44 ; v. 44. * Rom. viii. 2, 4. For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made m t free from the law of .«in and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the fiesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, c ndemned sin in the flesh ; that the righteousnes ; of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. x. 4. 1 Tim. i. 5. Heb. viii 10. Jude, 20, 21. Heb. xii. 14. Matt. xvi. 17, 18. I Cor. xii. 28. ^9 XIII. — A Gospel Church. We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers,' associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel ; * observing the or- dinances of Christ ; ^ governed by his laws ; * and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges in- Vested in them by His word ; * that its only scrip- tural oflficers are Bishops or Pastors, and Dea- cons,® whose qual'fications, claims, and duties are drfined in tie Epistles to Timothy and Titus. > Acts ii. 41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized ; and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls. Acts v. 11 ; viii. i ; xi. 31 ; i Cor. iv. 17 ; i Tim. iii. 5. ^ 2 Cor. viii. 5. They fiist gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Acts ii. 47. i Cor. v. II, 18. 8 I Cor. .\i. 2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye re- member me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you. 2 Thess. iii. 7. Rom. xvi. 17-20. I Cor. xi. 23. Matt, xviii. 15-20. i Cor. v. 5. * Matt, xxviii. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. John xi/. 15 ; xv. i John iv. 21. I Thes. iv. 2. 2 John 6. * Ephes. iv. 7. Unto every one of us is given grace ac- cording to the measure of the gift of Christ, i Cor. xiv. 12. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Phil. i. I. With the Bis ops and Deacons. Act/ xiv. 23 ; XV. 22. I Tim. iii. Titus i. 20 XIV. — Christian Baptism. We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, ' into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost ; '^ to show forth in a solemn and beau- tiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life ; ^ that it is prere- quisite to the privileges of a church relation, and to the Lord's Supper.^ 1 Acts viii. 36-39. And the eunuch said, See, here is water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, If diou behevest with all thy heart thou mayes'. . . . And they went down into the water, both Philip and th{ eunuch, and ne baptized him. Matt. iii. 5, 6. John iii. 22, ^3 ; iv, I, 2. Matt, xxviii. 19. Mark xvi. 16. Acts ii. 38 ; viii. 12; xvi. 32-34; xviii. 8. 2 Matt, xviii. 19. Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts x. 47, 48. Gal. iii. 27, 28. 3 Rom. VI. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death ; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also, should walk in newness of life. Col. ii. 12. i Peter iii. 20, 21. Acts xxii. 16. * Acts, ii. 41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and there were added to them, the same day, about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Matt, xxviii. 19, ao. 21 XV. — The Lord's Supper, We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord's Supper is a provision of bread and wine, as symbol? of Christ's body and blood, partaken of by the members of the Church ;' in commemo- ration of the suffering and death of their Lord ;* showing their faith and participation in the merits of his sacrifice, and their hope of eternal life 'hrough his resurrection from, the dead ; its observ- ance to be preceded by faithml self-examination. " * Luke xxii. 19, 20. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave unto them, saying : This is my body which is given for you ; this do in remembrance of me. Likewiiie also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the New Tfistament in my blood, which is shed for you. Mark xiv. 2(V26. Matt. xxvi. 27-30. i Cor. xi. 27-30. i Cor. X. 16. ^ I. Cor. xi. 26. For, as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death until he come. Matt, xxviii. 20. ^ I Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. Acts ii. 42. 46; XX. 7, II. XVL — The Christian Sabbaih. We believe ttie Scriptures teach that the first ,day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath ; ' and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes,^ by abstaining from all secuhr labor 22 except works of mercy and necessi y,'' by the de- vout observance of all the means of grace, both private •* and public ; ^ and by preparation for that rest that renaineth for the people of God.* 1 Acts XX. 7. On the first day of the week, when the di'-'ciples came together to break brrad, Paul preached to them. Gen. ii. 3. Col. ii. 16, 17. Mark ii. 27. John xx. 19. I Cor. xvi. 1,2. Ex. XX. 8. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. Ps. cxviii. 24. » Isa. Ivii'. 13, 14. If thou turn away ihy foot from the Sabbath, from dong thy plea ure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a deligh\ the holy of the Lord honor- able ; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine owa wo-ds ; then shall thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and fef d thee with the heritage of Jacob. Isa. Ivi. 2-8. * Ps. cxviii. 15. The voice of r joicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous. 5 Heb. X. 24, 25. Not forsaking the assembling of your- selves together, as the manner of some is. Acts xiii. 44. The next Sibbath Day carre almost the whole city to- gether to hear the word cf God. Lev. xix. 30. Ex. xlvi. 3. Luke IV. 16. Ac!s xvii. 2, 3. Ps. xxvi. 8 ; Ixxxvii. 3. • Heb. iv. 3-11. Let us labor therefore to enter int« that rest. 23 XVII. — Civil Government. We believe the Scriptures teach that civil gov- ernment is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society ; * and that mag- istrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously hon- ored and obeyed ;' except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ,^ who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth."* » Rom. xiii, 1-7. The powers that be are ordained of Gcd. For rulers are not a terror to good work-, but to the evil. Djut. XVI. 18. 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. Ex. xviii. 23. Jer. XXX. 21. « Malt. xxii. 21. Render therefore unto Cassar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. Titus iii. i. i Pet. ii. 13. i T.m. ii. 1-8. • Acts V. 29. Wc ought to obey God rather than m ^n — Matt. x. 28. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Dan. iii. 15-18 ; vi. 7, 10. Acts iv. 18-20. * Matt, xxiii. 10. Ye have one Mister, even Christ. Rom. xiv. 4. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? Rev, xix. 14. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written. King of Kings and Lord OF Lords. Ps. Ixxii. 11. Ps. ii. Rom. xiv. 9-13. XVIII.— Righteous and Wicked. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential d fference between the right- 24 eous and the wicked ; ' that such only as through faith are justified in the name of th^ Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem ; ^ while all such as con- tinue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked and under the curse ; ^ and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. ^ * Mai. iii. i8. Ye shall discern between the righteous and the wicked ; between him that serveth God and him that servelh him not. Prov. xii. 26. Isa. v. 20. Gen. xviii. 23. Jer. xv. 19. Acts x. 34, 35. Rom. vi. 16. Rom. i. 17. The just shall live by faith. Rom. vii. 6. We are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held, that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter, i John ii. 29. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that evey one that doeth righteou:ness is born of him. i John iii. 7. Rom. vi. 18, 22. I Cor. xi. 32. Prov. xi. 31. i Pet. iv. 17, 18. 3 I John V. 19. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. Gal. iii. 10. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. John iii. 36. Isa. Ivii. 21. Ps. x. 4. Isa. Iv. 6, 7. 4 Prov. xiv. 32. The wicked is driven away in his wick- edness, but the righteous hath hope in his death. Luke xvi. 25. Thou in thy lifetime rcceivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus ev.l things ; but now he is comforted, and thou art to'mented. John viii. 21-24. Prov. x. 24. Luke xii. 4, 5 ; xi. 23-26. John xii, 25, 26. Eccl. iii. 17. Matt. vii. 13, 14. 25 XIX.— The World to Come. We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching ; ' that at the Last Day, Chr.st wJl descend from heaven,* and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution ; ^ that a solemn separation will then take place ;"*i hat the wicked will be adjudged to endless punish- ment, and the righteous to endless joy ;5 and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteous- ness. 1 Pet. iv. 7. But the end of a41 things is at hand ; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer, i Cor. vii. 29-31. Heb. i. 10-12. Matt. xxiv. 35. i John ii. 17. Matt xxviii. 2o ; xii. 39. 40. 2 Pel. iii. 3-13. ^ Ac si. II. This same Jesus which is taken up fronn you into heaven, shall so come in Uke manner as ye have seen him yo into heaven. Rev. i. 7. Heb. ix. 28. Acts iii. 21. I Thes:. iv. 13-18; v. i-ii. 3 Acts xxiv. 15. Thee shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjjst. i Cor. xv. 12-59. Luke xiv. 14. Dan. xii. 2. John v. 28, 29 ; vi. 40 ; xi. 25, 26. 2 Tim. i. 10. Acts x. 42. * Matt. xiii. 49. The angels shall come forth, and sevev the wicked from among the iust. Matt. xiii. 37-43 ; xxiv, 30, 31 ; XXV. 31-33. 5 Matt. XXV. 35-41. And these shair go away into ever- lasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Rev. xxii. 11. He that is unjust let him be unjust siill; and he which is filthy let him be filthy still ; and he that is righteous let him he righteous still ; and he that is holy let him be holy still. i Cor. vi. 9, 10. Mark ix. 43-48. 26 2 Pet. ii. 9. Jude 7. Phi. iii. 19. Rom. vi. 22. 2 Cor, v, 10, II. John iv. 36. 2 Cor. iv. 18. « Rom. iii. 5, 6. Is God unrighteous, who taketh ven- geance? (I speak as a man.) God forbid ; for how then shall God judge the w rid ? 2 Th.'ss. i. 6-12. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them who trouble you, and to you who are troubled, rest with us — when he shall come to be glorified in his s.ints, and to be admired in all '.hem that believe. Heb. vi. i, 2. I Cor. iv. 5. Acts xvii. 31. Rom. ii. 2-16. Rev. xx. 11, 12. I John ii. 28 ; iv. 17. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, look- ing for and hasting unto the coming of the dai OF God ? 2 Peter iii. 11, 12. Covenant. Having been, as we trust, brought by divine grace to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and to give ourselves wholly to him, we do now solemnly and joyfully covenant with each other, TO walk TOGETHER IN HIM, WITH BROTHERLY LOVE, tO h'S glory, as our common Lord. We do, there- fore, in his strength, engage — That we will exercise a Christian care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully warn, exhort, and admonsh each other as occasion may require : 27 That we w^ll not forsake the assembling of our- selves together, but will uphold the public wor- ship of God, and the ordinances of his house : Thiit we will not emit closet and family religion at home, nor neghct the great duty of rel.giously training our children, and those under our care, fcr the service of Christ, and the enjoyment of heaven : That, as we are the light of the world, and salt of the earth, we will seek divine aid, to enable us to deny ungodliness, and every wcrlcly lust, and to walk circumspectly in the world, that we may win the souls of men : That we will cheerfully contribute of our prop- er'y, according as God has prospered us, for the maintair.ance of a faithful and evangelical minis- try amcng us, fcr the support of the poor, and to spread the Gospel over the earth : That we will m ail conditions, even till death, strive to live to the glory of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light. " And may the God of peace, who brought qgain from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, mske us perfect in every good work, to do his will, workmg in us that which is weil p easing in his sight through Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory, forever and ever. Amen." ^s A CHRISTIAN CHURCH. A Christian Church is a coitgregation of baptized beliei'ers in Christ united in covenant, worship- ping together, associated in the faith and fellow- ship of the gospel, practising its precepts, observ- ing its ordinances, recognizing and receiving Christ as their supreme lawgiver and ruler, and taking His Word as their exclusive and sufficient rule of faith and practice, in all matters of re- ligion. That a Christian Church is a congregation of believers, and not a society or number of congre- gations or churches united under some more gen- eral head or government, is evident from the men- tion made of the apostolic churches in the New Testament. By such mention we learn that churches were single, separa e, visible congrega- tions of regenerated persons, organized with iheir laws, officers, ordinances, discipline and duties, doing the work and maintaining the worship of God. A Church is "the body" of Christ, in its rela- tion ID him as "the head." It is "a spiritual temple," as being composed of spiritual or regen- erate members, thus distinguished from all world- ly organizations, It is '• the pillar and ground of the truth," in its maintenance and support of the 29 divine law, and its presentation, proclamation and propagation of the great and loving truths of the gospel. Churches are divinely instituted to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth ; they are ordained for the glory of God. in the proclamation oi his gospel, and the establishment of his kingdom in the world. They exist for the edification of the saints and for the conversion of sinners, not for their own gratification or aggrandizement. They should, therefore, be constantly striving to realize the great end of their existence, and fu -fill the miss. on of their high calling, in earnest and devoted Christian work of every kind. That church which is the most devoted and self-sacrficing for Christ, will certainly be the most successlul and prosperous for itself. Since a church is what its individual members are, in their religious l.fe and influence, therefore each member should strive to become what he de- sires the church to be. Note i. — A church is not to make laws, but only to administer and obey those which Christ has given in the New Testament. He is the only \aw-maker in Zion. 30 Note 2. — But in matters merely optional and discretionary, not involving fundamental principles in doctrine or order, ♦he church is to exercise its 1 berty in judgment and direction, so long as it does not contravene Scriptural teaching, or infiinge the rights of any. Note 3. — The church is bound and under law to Christ ; but, otherwise, it is independent of, and free from, the control and authority of all persons whatever, o her than its own members. Note 4. — The judgment and authority of the church is expressed in the vote of a majority of its members, after careful consideration. But the nearer that majorty approaches to unanamiiy, the more satisfactory and emphatic are its author- itative decisions. Note 5 . — Committees for conference or refer- ence may be selected, or councils called for advice n cases of difficulty. But they are advisory only, and in no instances authoritative. There is no higher and no other court of appeal in ecclesiastical affairs than the individual church. 31 ORDINANCES Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the only Scriptural ordinances of a Chiisiian church. BAPTISM. 1. Baptism is the immersion, or dipping, of a candidate in water, on a public profession of his faith in Christ, and on evidence of rgeneration. And 11-13 bcptism is to be performed by a suitable adminstrator, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No person can properly be received to member- ship in the church unless having thus been bap- tized ; and, as baptism must precede an actual church membersnip, so it must precede all the privileges of church membersh p, including that of the Lord's Supper. THE LORD'S SUPPER. 2. The Lord's Supfit r is a provision of bread and wine, partaken of by the members of the church ; in which service they commemorate the sufferings and death of Christ for them, and profess their faith in him. 32 Note i. — Both ordinances are ordinarily and properly administered by ordained and accredited ministers ; but both would doubtless be equally valid if admmistered by private members, did occasion require and the church so direct. Note 2. — While the privileges of the Lord's Supper can be claimed as a right only by the members of the particular church by which it is observed, yet it is customary, as an act of courtesy, to invite members of other Baptist churches,- of hke faith and order, who may be present at the administration, to remain and partake. Note 3.— The communion and fellowship in the Supper is with Christ, "the head, " and not with each other as " the members." " Do this in re- membrance of me." All thought and sympathy in the service should be centred in him who is " the living bread, " and not fixed on each other.* ♦For a full discassion of controverted questions respecting Bap- tism and Communion see the *' Baptist Short Method, " by tile author of this work. 33 OFFICERS. The officers of a church, according to New Testament teaching, are pastors, called also Dishops, presbyters, elders and overseers ; whose oversight, authority and duties are mainly in spiritual things; and deacojts, whose official duties are chiefly an oversight of the temporal concerns of the church, and in general, as helpers of the pastor. The qualifications for both offices are set forth in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. Note i. — In the election of either a pastor or deacon, notice of such election should be given from the puluit, for at least two Sundays preceding the time for the same. The election should be by ballot, and at least three-quarters of the votes cast should be necessary for the election of a pastor, and two-thirds for the election of a deacon. And such elections should be preceded by prayer, and conducted without party influences. Note 2. — Both pastor and deacons should be elected for unlimited time of service, and so long as there shall be mutual satisfaction. (Though deacons may sometimes be properly elected for a limited term.) Such a course tends less to depre- ciate and make servile the offices, and their duties, in the estimation of the people, and those who Oear them, than limited periods of service. 34 Note 3. — The relation between the pastor and church may be dissolved at the option of eitner, by giving three tnonlks' notice ; or otherwise by mutual consent. Between the church and the deacons, the relation may be dissolved, at the option of either, without previous notice. Note 4. — The church is to fix the amount of salary necessary to a generous support of the pastor, and hold itself obligated by every consid- eration of christian honor, for the prompt and regular payment of the same. To fail in this is as dishonorable to the church, as it is unjust and vexatious to the pastor. Note 5. — The number of deacons is optional with the church. It is usually from three to seven. But election to the deaconship should never take place unless there are candidates whose fitness for the office is generally conceded ; never merely for the sake of filling an office. Note 6. — A church clerk is ejected annually, at ;i business meeting, by a majority vote. It is an office of convenience, for keeping the minutes and preserving the records of the body. Trustees are also elected by the church, or, if the law makes this necessary, by a "society"; their duties are the care of the property, providing for and paying current expenses, and in general, the management of church temporalities. 35 Note 7. — The offices of trust and service in a church should be as widely distributed among the members as practicable. This rule should seldom be disregarded. No one man should hold more than one office at the same time, unless the inter- ests of the church positively require it. If offices are honors, they should be as widely dispensed as possible ; if they are burdens, they certainly should be. For the same member to hold several offices at once, is as unjust to him, as to his brethren. Note 8. — It is customary for the tyttstees to ap- point one of their own number as treasurer, to receive, hold, and pay out on their order, such funds as they control. While the church elects annually a treasurer to hold, account for, and pay out, as directed by vote of the body, funds col- lected for missions, the sick, communion service, and other benevolent matters, not included in the temporalities of the church, as managed by the trustees. 36 MEMBERSHIP. Persons may become memb'^rs of the church as follow s : 1. By Baptism ; the church, after having listened to their religious experience, and being satis5ed with the same, and with their Christian deport- ment, votes to receive them to its fellowship on being baptized. 2. By Letter; such letter of dismission and recommendation being presented from another Baptist Church of the same faith and order, accompanied with satisfactory evidence of Chris- tian character. 3. By Experience ; they having been baptized, but being members of no church, or of another denomination ; giving satisfactory evidence of Christian character, and of substantial agreement with the church in matters of faith and practice. Note i. — Persons can not be received to mem- bership on the credit of letters from other denom- inations. Such letters will, however, be accepted as certificates of Christian character, and of church standing. Note 2. — While the church does not require candidates to sign any creed, confession, or articles of faith, yet it does expect a substantial agreement in matters of faith and practice, on the part of its members, as essential both to the harmony and efficiency of the body. Zl Note 3. — Should any member object to the re^ ccpt:on of a candidate, such reception should be deferred to consider the reasons for the objection. Objections judged groundless, or unreasonable, should not prevent the reception of a suitable cand date--, yet no one should be received except by a unanimous or nearly unanimous vote. Note 4. — It is customary for candidates, after their experience, or letters, have been presented, to retire wh le the church deliberates and acts upon their case. Note 5. — Any member in good standing, shall be entitled, at any t me, to a letter of dismission, in the usual form, with which to unite with another church of the same faith and order. Note 6. — All letters shall be valid for six months only, during which time they must be used, if used at all. But if held longe% they may be renewed by the church, if satisfactory reasons are given for their non-use. Note 7. — Each one receiving a letter is still a memner of the church, and under its watch, care and discipline, until his letter is actually received by another church. Note 8. — Letters cannot be given to members for the purpose of uniting with churches with which we are not in fellowship. But any member is entitled, at any time, to receive a certificate o. standing, and Christian character. 38 Note 9. — No member can withdraw from the church, or have his name dropped, or at his own request be excluded from the fellowship of the body. Note 10. — Nor can a member have a letter voted and forced upon him without his wish and consent. Such would be a virtual expulsion from the body. If worthy to receive a letter, he cannot be forced out ot the church without his consent. Note ii. — Members living- remote from the church are expected to unite with some Baptvst church near their residence ; or ^ive satisfactory reasons for not doing so. When they cannot so unite, they are expected to report themselves to the church at least once each year, and contribute to its support, till they cease to be members. Note 12. — Letters of dismission may be revok- ed, at any time before being- used, if, in the judg- ment of the church, there be sufficient reason for such action. Note 13. — Church fellowship will be withdrawn from members who unite with other denomina- tions ; because, however excellent their character, or sincere their intentions, they have broken cove- nant with the church, and by such act have placed themselves beyond the limits of its fellowship. 39 Note 14. — Persons excluded from other churches cannot be received to membership, ex- cept after the most careful investigation of all the facts in the case, and not unless it be manifest that the exclusion was unjustifiable, and that th( 'church excluding persistently refuses to do justici i to the excluded member. Note 15. — A letter is usually asked for and addressed to a particular church. This is proper, but not necessary. It may be asked for, and given "to any church of the same faith and arder." Or if directed to one, it may be presented to, and re- ceived by another. Note 16. — It is expected that all pecuniary .'lability to the church will be canceled, and all personal difficulties in the church will be settled by a member, should such exist, before he asks for, or receives a letter of dismission. Note 17. — Each member, without exception, i? expected to fill his place in the church, in attend- ■ ance on its appointments, as Providence may allow, and also to contribute of his means for the pecuniary support of the church, according to his ability. If in either of these respects he fails, and refuses, he becomes a covenant-breaker, and ii subject to the discipline of the body. 40 DISCIPLINE. In the adminstration of corrective discipline, for the seitlement of difficulties, and the removal of offences, the church will be guided by the following rules and principles. In Private Offences. In private offe7ices, or such as one member may commit against another member, occasioning a grievance which does not affect any other person or persons, the course prescribed by our Saviour, in Matihew, i8th chap., should be strictly followed. 1. First Sup. — Tne member who considers himstrlf injured must go to the offender, tell him his grief, and between themselves alone, if possible, adjust and settle the difficulty. " If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault, between thee and him alone." This must be done, not to charge, upbraid, or condemn the offender, but to win him. "It he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." 2. Second Step. — If this shall fail, then the offended member must take one or two of the brethren with him, seek an interview with the offender, and, if possible, by their united wisdom and piety, remove the offence and harmonize the difficulty. " But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of 41 two or three witnesses every word may be established." 3. Third Step. — If this step should prove un- availing, then the offended mcnber must tell the whole matter to the c/iurch, and leive it in their hands to be disposed of, as to them may seem wisest and best. " And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church ; and if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man, and a publican." Note I. — While this divine rule makes it obligatory on the offended member to go to the offender and seek a reconciliation, yet much more is it ohl gatory on any member who knows that a brother is grieved with him, to seek such an one, and try to remove the difficulty. " If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gitt'." No IE 2. — The matter is not to be made public until these three steps have been fully taken, and have failed ; and then to be made public only by telling the church, and no others. Note 3. — When the case comes before the church, it must not be neglected, or dropped, but be judiciously pursued until the difficultv be ad- jus ed, the offence removed, or else the offender be disfcliowshipped, and put away. — 1 Matt. v. 23. 42 In Public Offences. Public offences are such as are supposed to be a reproach or an injury to the church as a body, cr to the reputation of religion. They are not against any one psrson, more than another. The more common causes of pubHc offence are the tollowing: False doctrine' ; disregard of authority- ; contention and strife^; immoral con- duct"* ; disorderly walk^ : covetous spirit*^ ; arrogant conduct^ ; going to lavv^. The following is generally accepted as the proper course of treatment for public offences. 1. The first member who has knowledge of the offence, should, as in the case of private offences, seek the offerider, cijcertain the facts, and attempt to reconcile or remove the difficulty. Not till he has done this should he make it public, or bring it before the church. 2. But if no one will, or can, pursue this course of personcl effort, or if such a course proves un- successful, then any member having knowledge ot the facts should confer wi h the pastor and dea- cons, as to the best course to be pursued. 3. The pas'.or and d -ac^ns should, by the best *G*1. i. 9. — 3 John 10 — 'Matt, xviii. 17. — 1 Thes. v. 14. — 'Roii. XVI. 17. — •*! Cor. V. II. — *2 Thes. iii. 6, g. — "Eph. v. 5. — i Cor- v. II. — '3 John 9. — *! Cor. vi. 6. 43 method they are capable cf devising, labor to acju t the mat er, w.thout bring;!; g it into ihe church, or oiherw:se making it publ c. 4. But if thtir efforts fail, or if the case be al- ready pu:jlic, and a reproa:;h and scandal tj religion, then thry should bring it to the c urci, and direct the course of discipl.ne as seems w. xst. 5. The churcn, thus having the c ise before them, should either appoint a commi', ee to vi it the offender, or cite h m helore the body to answer the charg'". He should be allov\ed to hear the evidence against him, kr.ovv the witnesses, and be permitted to answer tor himself. 6. If the accused disproves the charge?, or if he confesses the wrong, makes su table acknowledge- ment, and so far as possible repiration, ui h promise of amendment, in all ordinary cases, this should be deemed satisfactory, and the case be dismissed. 7. But if, after pa lent, deliberate, and prayerful labor, all efforts f lil to reclaim the offender, then, however painful the necessity, the church must withdraw its fellowship from him, and put him away from them. 8. If the case be one of flagrant immorality, by which the reputation of the t)ody is compromised, and i^e Christian name scandalized, the hand of fellowship should be withdrawn from the offender, 44 notwithstanding any confessions and promises of amendment. The church's good namt^, and the honor of re- ligion demands this testimony against evil. He may be subsequently restored if suitably penitent. Note I. — All discipline must be conducted in the spirit of Christian meekness and love, With a desire to remove offences, and win offenders. It must also be done under a deep sense of respons- ibility to maintain the honor of Chrst's name, the puri y of his church, and integrity of his truth. Note 2. — If any member shall attempt to bring a private grievance before the church, or otherwise make it public, before he has pursued the course prescribed in Matthew, xviii. chapter he becomes h mself an offender, and subject to the discipline of the body. Note 3. — When private d'fficulties exist among members, which they cannot, cr will not s-tte, the church should consider them as public ofTencer, and as such dispose of them, rither than suffer the perpetual injury which they inflict. Note 4. — Whea a member refers any private difficulty to the church, which he has been unable :o settle, he must submit it wholly to the dis- position of the body, and abide by their decision. If he attenr!pts to revive and prosecute it beyond the decision of the church, he becomes an offender, and subject to discipline. 45 Note 5. — Any member tried by the church has the right to receive copies of all charges against him, the names of his accusers and vvitnessess, both of whom he shall have the privilege of meet- ing face to face, hearing iheir statements, bnnging witnesses on his side, and answering for himselt before the body. Note 6, — Every member, on trial, or excluded, sh^ll have furnished, at his request, authentic copies of all prcoeedings had by the c-hurch in his a e. Note 7. — No member under discipline can have the right to bring any person, not a member, be- fore the church as his advocate, except by consent of the body. Note 8. — In every case of exclusion, the charges against the member, and the reasons for his exclusion, should be accurately entered on the records of the church. Note 9. — If at any time it shall become appar- ent, or seem probable to the church, that it has for any reason dealt unjustly wiih a member, or excluded him without sufficient cause, it should at once, and without request, by concession and res- toration, so far as possible repair the injury it has done. Note 10. — The church should hold itself bound to restore to its fellowship an excluded m.ember. 46 whenever he givrs satisfactory evidence of repent ance und re orma-ion consistent with godliness. Note ii. — The c^iurch will exercise its legiti- mate authority, and vindicate its honor and recti- ta e in the admins rat on of discipline, even thou^i;h the me nber should regard such discipline as ui j st or oppress ve. KOTE 12. — Nothing can be considered a just and reasorable cause for discipline except what is forbidden by the le tv r or the spirit of Scripture. And nothing can be considered a sufficient cause for disfellovvship and exclusion, except what is clesr'y contrary to Scrip:ure, and what would have prevented the recepiion of the person inio the church, had it been known to exist at the time of his reception.* % CHURCH BUSINESS. The business meetings of the church should be conducted as much as possible in the spirit of devotion, and under a sense of the propriety and sanctity which attaches to the kingdom of God. *For a comprehensive view of Church order and discipline, se« that subject in " The Baptist Church Directory." 47 Order of Business. 1. The meetings to be opened with reading the Scriptures, singing, and prayer. 2. The reading, correction, and approval of the minutes of the preceding meeting. 3. Unfinished business, or such as the minutes present, including reports of committee taken in order. 4. New business will next be taken up. Any member may call up new business. But important matters should not be presented, except on pre- vious consultation with the pastor and deacons. Note i. — The pastor is, by virtue of his office, moderator of all church business meetings. If he be not present, or do not wish to serve, any one may be elected to take the place. Note 2. — All business meetings should be an- nounced from the pulpit one Sabbath at least, before they are held. Note 3. — Special meetings for business may be called at any time, by consent of the pastor and deacons. Note 4. — Though a majority usually decides questions, yet in all matters of special importance, unanimous, or nearly unanimous, vote should be Becured. Note 5. — Members may be received, and let- ters of dismission granted, either at the business 48 church meeting, the covenant meeting, or the regular weekly prayer meeting, the church so directing. Note 6. — Candidates for admission to member- ship will be expected to retire from the meeting when action is taken on their reception. Note 7. — No persons, except members, will be expected to be present during the transaction of church business. If present, they may be asked to retire. Note 8. — Although the church should en- deavor to do nothing which its members will be ashamed or afraid to have known by others, yet every member is bound, by the honor of a Chris- tian, not to publish abroad, nor disclose to those without, the private affairs and business transac- tions of the body. Rules of Order. The following constitute the gen«erally accepted rules of order for church, and other business pro- ceedings. Motions. I. All business shall be presented by a motion made by one member, and seconded b anothea* and presented in writing by the mover, if so re- quired. 49 2. No discussion can properly be had until the motion is made, seconded, and stated by the chair- man. 3. A motion cannot be withdrawn after it has been discussed, except by the unanimous consent of the body. 4. A motion having been discussed, must be put to vot3, unless withdrawn, laid on the table, referred, or postponed. 5. A motion lost should not be recorded, except so ordered by the body at the time. 6. A motion lost cannot be renewed at the same meeting, except by unanimous consent. 7. A motion should contain but one distinct proposition. If it contains more, it must be divided at the request of any member, and the propositions acted on separately. 8. Only one question can properly be before the meeting at the same time. No second motion can be allowed to interrupt one already under debate, except a motion to amend, to substitute, to com' mit, to postpone, to lay on the table, for the pre- vious question, or to adjourn. 9.. These subsidiary motions just named, cannot be interrupted by any other motion : nor can any other motion be applied to them, except that to amend, which may be done by specifying some timet place, ox purpose. so lo. Nor can these motions interrupt or super- sede each other ; only that a motion to adjourn is always in order, except while a member has the floor, or a question is being taken. Amendments. 1. Amendments may be made to resolutions in three ways : By omitiitig, by adding, or by sub- stituting words or sentences. 2. An amendment to an amendment may be made, but is seldom necessary, and should be avoided. 3. No amendment should be made which essen- tially changes the meaning or design of the origi- nal resolution. 4. But a substitute may be offered, which may change entirely the meanmg of the resolution un- d-er debate. 5. The amendment must first be discussed and acted on, and then the original resolution as amended. Speaki7ig. 1. Any member desiring to speak on a ques- tion, should rise in his place, and address the moderator, confine his remarks to the question, and avoid all unkmd and disrespectful language. 2. A speaker using improper language, intro- ducing improper subjects, or otherwise out of order, should be called to order by the chairman, or any member, and must either conform to the regulations of the body, »r take his seat. 3. A member, while speaking, can allow others to ask questions, or make explanations ; bjt if he yields the floor to another, he cannot claim it again as his right. 4. If two members rise to speak at the same time, preference is usually given to the one farthest from the chair, or to the one opposing the question under discussion. 5. The fact that a person has several times arisen, and attempted to get the floor, gives him no claim or right to be heard. Nor does a call /or the question deprive a member of his right to speak. Voting. 1. A question is put to vo'e by the chairman, having first distinctly re-stated it, that all may vote intelligently. First, the affirmative, then the negative'is called ; each so deliberaely as to give all an opportunity of voting. He then distinctly announces whether the motion is carried, or lost. 2. Voting is usually done by " aye " and " no,' or by raising the hand. In a doubtful case, by standing, and being counted. On certain ques- tions, by ballot. S2 3. If the vote, as announcea Dy the chairman, is doubted, it is called again, usually by standing to be counted. 4. All members should vote, unless for reasons excused ; or unless under discipline, in which case they should take no part in the business. 5. The moderator does not usually vote, except the question be taken by ballot ; but when the meeting is equally divided, he usually gives the casting vote, 6. When the vote is to to be taken by ballot, the chairman appoints tellers, to distribute, collect, and count the ballots. Committees. 1. Committees are nominated by the chairman, if so directed by the body, or by any member ; and the nomination is confirmed by a vote of the body. More commonly the body directs that all commit- tees shall be appointed by the chairman, in which case no vote is needed to confirm. 2. Any matter of business, or subject under de- bate, may be referred to a committee, with or without instructions. The committee make their report, which is the result of their deliberations. The body then takes action on the report, and on any recommendations it may contain. 3. The report of a committee is received by a vote, which acknowledges their services, and takes 53 the report before the body for its action. After- wards, any distinct recommendation contained in the report is acted on, and may be adopted or re- jected. 4. Frequently, however, when the recommenda- tions of the committee are of trifling moment, or likely to be generally acceptable, the report is re- ceived and adopted by the same vote. 5. A report may be recommitted to the comnrvit- tee, with or without instructions ; or that commit- tee discharged, and the matter referred to a new one, for further consideration, so as to present it in a form more likely to meet the general concur- rence of the body. 6. A committee may be appointed with power, for a specific purpose. This gives them power to dripose conclusively of the matter, without further reference, or report to the body. 7. The first named in the appointment of a com- mittee, is by courtesy considered the chairman. But the committee has the right to name its own chairman. 8. The member who moves the appointment of a committee is usually, though not necessarily, named its chairman. 9. The committees of arrangement, or for other protracted service, report progress from time to time, and are continued until their final report, or antil their appointment expires by limitation. 54 lo. A committee is discharged by a vote, when its business is done, and its report accepted. But usually, in routine business, a committee is con- sidered discharged by the acceptance of its re- port. Standing Committee. A committee appointed to act im a given period or durirg the recess of the body, is called a standing committee. It has charge of a given department of business assigned by the body, and acts either with power, under instruction, tr at discretion, as may be ordered. A standing com- mittee is substantially a minor board, and has its own chairman, secretary, records, and times of meeting. Appeal. The moderator announces all votes, and decides all questions as to rules of proceeding, and order of debate. But any member who is dissatisfied with his decisions, may appeal from them to the body. The moderator then puts the question, * Shall the decision of the chair be sustained? ' The vote of the body, whether negative or affirm- ative, is final. The right of appeal is undeniable, but should not be resorted to on trivial occasions. 55 Previous Question. Debate may be cut short, by a vote to take the previous question. Th.s means that the original, or main question under discussion, be iTimediately voted on, regardless of amendments and second- ary quesiions, and without further debate. 1. If the motion for the previous question be carried, then the main question must be immed- iately taken, without further debate. 2. If the motion for the previous question be lost, the deba'e proceeds, as though no such mo- tion had been made. 3. If the motion for the previous question be lost, it cannot be renewed with reference to the same question, during that session. To Lay on the Table. Immediate and decisive action on any question under discussion may be deferred, by a vote to lay on the table the resolution pending. This dis- poses of the whole subject for the present, and ordinarily is in effect a final dismissal of it. Bat any member has the right subsequently to call it up; and the body will decide by vote whether, or not, it shall be taken from the table. I. Sometimes, however, a resolution is laid on the table for the present, or until a specified time to give place to other business. 56 2. A motion to lay on the table must apply to a resolution, or other papers. An abstract subject cannot be disposed of in this way. Postponement. A sxm^At postponement is for a specified time or purpose, the business to be resumed when the time or purpose is reached. But a question indefi- nitely postponed is considered as finally dismissed. Not Debatable. Certain mo'.ions, by established usage, are not debatable, but when once before the body, must be taken without discussion. These are : The previous question, for indefinite postponement, to commit, to lay on the table, to adjourti. But when these motions are modified by some condition of time, place, or purpose, they become debitable, and subject to the rules of other mo- tions. A body is, however, competent, by a vote, to allow debate on all motions. To Reconsider. A motion to reconsider a motion previously passed, must be made by one who voted for the motion when it passed. 57 If the body votes to reconsider, then the motion or resolution, being reconsidered, stands before them as previous to its passage, and may be dis- cussed, adopted or rejected. A vote to reconsider should be taken at the same session at which the vote reconsidered was passed, and when there are as many members present. Be Discussed. If, when a question is introduced, any member objects to its discuss'on, as foreign, profitless, or contentious, the moderator should at once put the question, ''Shall tJiis motion be discussed f If this question be decided in the negative, the sub- ject must be dismissed. Order of the Day. The body may decide to take up some definite business at a specifiei time. That business there- by becomes the order of the dj,y, for that hour. When the time mentioned arrives, the chairman calls the business, or any member may demand it, with or without a vote ; and all pending questions are postponed in consequence. Point of Order. Any member who believes that a speaker is out of order, or that discussion is proceeding improp- erly, may at any time rise to a point of order. He 58 must distinctly state his question or object'on, which the moderator will decide. Privileges. Questions relating to the rights and privileges cf members, are of primary importance, and, until disposed of, take precedence of all other business, and supersede all other motions, except that of adjournment. Rule Suspended. A rule of order may be suspended by a vote of the body, to allow the transaction of business nec- essary, but which could not otherwise be done without a violation of such rule. Filling Blanks. Where different numbers are suggested for fill- ing blanks, the highest nmnhpr n^reatest distance, and longest time are usually voted on first. Adjournment. 1. A simple motion to adjourn is always in order, except while a member is speaking, or when taking a vote. It takes precedence ot all other motions, and is not debatable. 2. In some deliberative bodies, a motion to ad- journ is in order wh le a speaker has the floor, or a vote is being taken, the business to stand, on re- ; ssembling, precisely as when adjournment took place. 99 3. A body may adjourn to a specified time ; but if no time be mentioned, the fixed, or usual time of meeting is understood. If there be no fixed, 01 usual time of meeting, then an adjournment without date, is equivalent to a dissolution. Note. — While it may not be best to abide too rigidly by parliamentary rules in church meetings, yet it is still worse to drift into a loose, unbusiness- like way, which wastes time, accomplishes little* ind does wrongly much that is done. STANDING RESOLUTIONS. There are certain moral and social questions which often occasion perplexity, with respect to which each church should have settled convic- 'ions, and hold a well-defined attitude. It is not wise to put definitions and restrictions ouching intemperance, card - playing, dancing, Jieater-going, and the like, into church covenants, or articles of faith. A better way is to vote stand- ing resolutions, to be placed on the records to guide the action of the church. Something like the following, to be varied at the option of the body, would serve as a declara- tion of its position : I. Resolved, That tr.is church will expect each member to contribute statedly for its support, ac- cording to his ability, as God hath prospered him. 6o 2. Resolved, That this church will entertain and contribute statedly to the leading objects of Chris- . tian benevolence approved of, and supported by our denomination. 3. Resolved, That the religious education of the young, and Bible study as represented in Sunday- school work, commend themselves to our confi- dence, and we will, to the extent of our ability, give them our sympathy and our aid, by both our personal co-operation and our contributions. 4. Resolved, That in our opinion, the use ol intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and, also, the manufacture and the sale of the same, for sucl a use, are contrary to Christian morality, injurious to personal piety, and a hindrance to Gospel truth ; and that persons so using, making, or sell- ing, are thereby disqualified for membership in this Church. 5. Resolved, That we eniphatically condemn the practice of church members attending theatres and other similar places of popular amusement, as inconsistent with a Christian profession, detrimen- tal to personal piety, and pernicious in the influ- ence of its example on others, 6. Resolved, That the members of this Church are earnestly requested not to provide for, take part in, or by any means encourage dancing, or card-playing ; but in all consistent ways to dis- countenance the same, as harm^ful to godliness in their associations and tendencies, and an offence to brethren whom we should not willingly grieve FORMS AND BLANKS. Minutes of a Church Meeting. New York, Oct. — , i8— . The Church held its regular meeting for busi- ness this evening, at — o'clock The Pastor : Moderator. After singing, and reading the Scriptures, prayer was offered by . Minutes of the last meeting were read and ap- proved. [Then follows an accurate record of all the bus- iness done,] The meeting acjourned. , Clerk. Call for an Ordaining Council. New York, Oct. — , i8--. The Church of To the Church of Dear Brethren : You are requested to send your pastor and two delegates, to meet in council with us, Nov. — , at — o'clock A. M., to consider the propriety of pub- licly setting apart to the work of the Gospel ministry, our brother . The Council will meet in . The following churches are invited- By order of the Church, -Clerk. 62 Call for a Recognizing Council. New York, Oct. — ,i8 — . To the Church of Dear Brethren : In behalf of a company of believers in Christ, you are requested to send your pastor and two deleg-ates, to meet in council at , Nov. — , at — o'clock P.M„ to consider the propriety of recog- nizin.^ said company of believers as a regular and independent Cnurch. The Council will meet in . The following churches are invited . Affectionately yours, Com. or Clerk. Note. — By some, it is earnestly contended, tha' a council to recogn'ze a church, should be called to render its advice before the church is constituted, and net afterwards. Advice asked, or given after the act is consummated, seems a meaningless ser- vice. Call for an Advisory Council. New York, Oct. — , i8 - .. The Church of To the Church of — 63 Dear Brethren : You are requested to send your pastor and two d legates, to meet in council, Nov. — , at — o'clock p. M., to advise concerning certain difficulties ex- isting among us, which disturb our peace, and threaten the most serious consequences to the wel- fare of the Church. The Counc 1 will be held in . The following churches are invited— By order of the Church, — , Clerk. Letter of Dis7nission, The Church of To the — Church of Dear Brethren : This is to certify that is a member of this Church in good and regjlar standing, and. at — own request, is hereby dismissed from us. to unite with you. When — shall have so united, — connection with us will cease. May the blessing of God rest on , and on you. Done by order of the Church, New York, Oct -, i8— . Clerk. This letter is valid for six tnonths frojn date. Note. — It is customary for a letter to be asked for and given, to uni e with a particular Church, to be named in the letter. But it may be asked for, and given to " any Church of the same faith and order." If given to a specified Church, it may be used for any other similar Church, if thought necessary. m ;§•:•:•> i ^^^. Letter of Commendation. This certifies that is a member iu good and regular standing, of the Church of ; and as such, I most cordially commend — to the confidence, sympathy, and fellowship oS sister churches, wherever Providence may direct — course. , Pastor. Note. — Such a letter is given to members dur- ing a temporary absence from home, and as an introduction among strangers.