The Baptist church directory : a guide to the doctrines and discipline, officers and ordinances, principles and practices, of Baptist churches : embracing a concise view of the questions of baptism and communion : 7th thousand. by Edward T. Hiscox

Front matter

4»

J7 i Ld

OF THE

Preface

The following is designed, as its name implies, to be a directory to the doctrines and practices of Baptist churches. Its plan is different from that of any other work ; more comprehensive in the range of its subjects, but more concise in its statement of facts. It is rather a book for reference than a book for general reading. The arrangement is intended to be so clear and convenient, that any subject on which information is wanted, can be found at once. The style is adapted to the condition of those who desire information on O such subjects, but who have little disposition for laborious or protracted investigation — instances of >-> which are frequently occurring within the observation ^ of every pastor.

There are great numbers of the younger members of our churches who, while they have a deep conviction that the doctrines they hold are according to the word of God, yet greatly need instruction as to church order and discipline, and the usages of the denomination. Indeed, there are many older members who might not be able to bring forward arguments to justify their faith and practice, or give information to those who desire to be instructed as to our denominaiv

PREFACE.

tional peculiarities. Besides, there are many outside the churches who often wish to know accurately what Baptists do believe and practise. These persons have, perhaps, small means to purchase, and little time to peruse many books. They desire to have the whole matter so condensed and definite that they can see it at a glance, and so reliable that they cannot doubt its correctness. The Directory is designed to supply this want.

Proof sheets of it were sent by the publishers to a number of ministers, eminent for learning and piety, residing in different sections of the country, who were requested to express their opinions of its merits, and also to make any suggestions that might improve it. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the very kind and generous terms in which they were pleased to speak of it, as well as for the very valuable suggestions, which were made by several of them ■ — which suggestions have, to a considerable degree, been adopted.

It is hoped that this work, prepared with much labor and care, and having met such general and generoiis approval, will be thought worthy to find a place in every church, and to be in the hands of every church member. That it may, by the divine blessing, contribute to the harmony, peace, and prosperity of our churches, is my sincere desire and prayer.

New York, February 22, 1859.

E. T. H.

Contents

I? .A. !R T FIRST.

Chapter I

A CHURCH. PA«f*

I. — What is a Christian Church, . 18

1. The Character of Churches, . 15

2. The Design of Churches, 15

3. The Authority of Churches, 16

II. — Churches Constituted, 17

III. — Churches Recognized, 18

Chapter II. Its Officers

I.— The Pastor, 20

1. His Duties, 20

2. His Authority, 21

3. His Sphere, ...21

II. — The Deacons, 23

1. Their Origin, 23

2. Their Duties, 24

4. Their Period, . .24

5. Their Ordination, • . • • • • • . .25

III.— Other Officers, 26

VI

CONTENTS.

Chapter III

ITS ORDINANCES. PAQB

I. — Baptism, 28

1. Its Institution, .••••••.. 29

2. Its Administration, 29

8. Its Subjects, 29

5. It is Commemorative, 80

6. It is Typical, . • • 81

T. It is Emblematic, 81

II. — The Lord’s Supper, • 83

1. Its Institution, • .83

2. Its Obligation, 83

3. Its Subjects, 84

4. It is Commemorative, ........ 84

5. It is Typical, • • . • 84

6. It is Emblematic, 86

Chapter IV. Its Services

I. — Preaching tLe Gospel, , . 88

II. — Social Meetings, 88

III. — Covenant Meetings, 89

IV. — Church Meetings, 89

V. — Concerts of Prayer, .*89

VI. — Female Prayer Meetings, 40

VII.— Young People’s Meetings, 40

VIII. — Special Services, 41

Chapter V. Its Worship

I. — Preaching, 42

1. The Object of Preaching, 43

2. The Character of Preaching, 43

3. The Frequency of Preaching, ...... 44

II. — Praying, 45

1. The Nature of Prayer, 46

2. Preparation for Prayer, ..•••••. 46

8. Style of Prayer, 4T

4. Faults in Prayer, • . • 47

CONTENTS. Vii

PAGE

III. — Singing, 49

1. The Character of Singing, 49

2. The Style of Music, ' . 60

3. The Leader of Singing, ••••.... 51

IV. — Exhorting, 52

1. Who should Exhort, 63

2. The Gift of Exhortation, *54

3. Faults in Exhortation, 54

Chapter VI. Its Government

As taught in the New Testament, 56

I. — Its Character, 57

II. — Its Administration, . 69

Chapter VII. Its Ministry

1.— A Call to the Ministry, 61

II. — Perpetuity of its Obligations, 64

III. — Sphere of its Labor, 65

IV. — Source of its Authority, 66

V. — Ordination of Ministers, . 68

VI. — Qualification of Ministers, 71

VII. — Discipline of Ministers, ......... 72

VIII. — Licensing of Ministers, 74

Chapter VIII. Its Membership

I. — Qualification for Membership, 76

1. A Regenerate Heart, 76

2. A Scriptural Faith, 76

3. A Christian Life, ......... 76

II. — Mode of Admission, ....77

1. By Baptism, 77

8. By Experience, 78

III. — Mode of Dismission, • 80

2. By Exclusion, 81

Vlll

CONTENTS,

CHAPTER IX. ITS DISCIPLINE. page

First Law ; of Love,

Second Law ; of Confession, . .

Third Law ; of Forgiveness, . .

1. The Object of Discipline, .

2. The Spirit of Discipline, .

8. The Right of Discipline, .

4. The Duty of Discipline, .

5. The Limit of Discipline, . .

6. The Result of Discipline, .

I* — Private Offences, ....

1. First Step, ....

2. Second Step, ....

3. Third Step, ....

II. — Public Offences, ....

A. Their Character, ....

1. False Doctrine, ...

2. Disregard of Authority, .

3. Contention and Strife, . .

4. Immoral Conduct, . .

5. Disorderly Walk, . . .

6. Covetous Spirit,

7. Arrogant Conduct, . . .

8. Going to Law,

B. Their Treatment, ....

•

1. The First one Knowing,

•

2. Bring it before the Church, .

•

•

3. The Offender called before, .

•

•

4. Committee appointed,

•

•

5. Confession and Reparation, .

•

6. Withdrawal of Fellowship, .

Chapter X. Its Business

How Transacted,

I. — Order of Business, 103

1. Meeting opened,

2. Experience and letters, 108

8. Reading Minutes, 103

CONTENTS,

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PAGE

4. Letters granted, 103

5. Unfinished Business, 104

6. Reports of Committees, 104

7. New Business, 104

II. — Rules of Order, 104

1. Motions, 104

2. Speaking, 106

3. Amendments, 107

4. Committees, 107

5. Voting, 108

6. Appeal, 109

7. Lay on the Table, 110

8. Postponement, 110

9. Previous Question, 110

10. Not Debatable, Ill

11. To Reconsider, Ill

12. Be Discussed, Ill

13. Order of the Day, . . , 112

14. Point of Order, . . * 112

15. Privileges, 112

16. Filling Blanks, 113

17. Rule Suspended, 113

18. Adjournments, 113

ITS PRIVILEGES.

1. Its Worship, 140

3. Its Fellowship, 141

5. Its Instruction, 142

Chapter XV. Its Piety

1. Prayer, 143

a. Secret Prayer, 143

5. Family Prayer, 144 d. Special Prayer, 145

2. Reading Scriptures, ... ..... 145

6. Integrity, 143

7. Spirituality, 149

8. Consistency, 149

9. Forgiveness, 149

10. Self-Examination, 150

11. Religious Fasting, 151

CHAPTER XVL ITS DOCTRINES.

Drawn from the Bible, 152

I. — Articles of Faith, 154

II.— -Covenant, 176

CONTENTS,

XI

I? .A. !R» T SECOND.

Chapter I

DENOMINATIONAL PECULIARITIES. PAGE

1. As to baptism, 179

2. As to its Subjects, 179

3. Subjects for Membership, 179

4. Subjects for Communion, 180

5. Church Government, 181

6. Church Officers, 181

Chapter II. The Baptismal Question

Nature of the Ordinance, 182

1. — Evidence from Lexicons, 183

II. — Significant use of Baptizo, 185

III. — Circumstantial Evidence, 187

IV. — Testimony of Commentators, 183

Y. — Evidence from History, 190

VI. — Practice of Greek Church, 193

VII. — Existence of Baptisteries, ........ 194

HU.— Rise of Sprinkling, 198

IX.— Objections Answered, 201

Chapter III. The Question Op Infant Baptism

I. — Where did it arise, 206

II.— From what cause, ' , 208

Chapter IV. The Communion Question

I. — Subjects of Communion, 211

II. — Open Communionists, 212

Of three kinds, 212

HI. — Baptists* Communion, 223

Three conditions stated, 224

Three facts explained, 225

IV.— Pedobaptists Communion, 227

Explained and examined, 228

V. — Objections Answered, 23<?

XI 1

Chapter IX. Benevolent Societies

1. American Baptist Missionary Union, 268

2. American Baptist Publication Society, 270

8. American Baptist Home Mission Society, 273

4. American and Foreign Bible Society, 274

5. American Baptist Free Mission Society, . . „ . , 277

6. Southern Baptist Convention, 279

7. Southern Baptist Publication Society, 281

8. Other Societies, 282

THE

BAPTIST CHURCH DIRECTORY.

Chapter I. A Church

I. — What is a Christian Church?

A Christian Church is a congregation of baptized believers in Christ , worshipping together; associated in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel ; practising its precepts ; observing its ordinances; recognizing and receiving Christ as their supreme lawgiver and ruler ; and taking his Word as their sufficient and exclusive rule of faith and practice, in all matters of religion.

That a Christian Church is a congregation of Christian disciples, and not a society, or number of congregations or churches combined, and united under some more general head or governmerit, is evident from the Scriptural mention made of the Apostolic churches. There were “ the churches throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria 1 also “ the church which was in Jerusalem;552 they “ ordained them elders in every church ;55 3 “ the churches of Galatia ;55 4 “ the churches of Asia ;55 6 “ the

churches of Macedonia ;55 6 “ the church of the Laodiceans ;55 7 “ the church of the Thessalonians ;55 8 “ the church that is at Babylon*55 * Though the church is sometimes spoken of, in distinction from the world, as the church universal, embracing all the people of God everywhere, yet by churches are meant single, separate, visible congregations of Christian disciples, definitely organized, with their laws, officers, ordinances, discipline, and duties, doing the work and maintaining the worship of Christ. A church is “ the body 55 in its relation to Christ who is “ the head.55 It is “ a spiritual temple,55 as being composed of spiritual or regenerate members, and distinguished from all material and unsanctified organizations. It is “ the pillar and ground of the truth,55 in its relation to the maintenance and support of the divine law, and

1 Acts ix. 31.

2 Acts xi. 22.

* Acts xiv. 23.

6 2 Cor. viii. 1.

• 1 Pet er v. 13.

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its proclamation and propagation of the great realities of the Gospel.

1. The Character of Churches. — A church corn stitutes a kind of spiritual kingdom in the world, but not of the world ; whose king is Christ ; whose law is his word ; whose institutions are his ordinances ; whose duty is his service ; whose reward is his blessing.

In all matters of faith and conscience, as well as in all matters of internal order and government, a church is “ under law to Christ 1 but as men and citizens, its members must “ submit themselves to governors,’5 2 like other men, so far as shall not interfere with, or contravene, the claims of the divine law and authority upon them.3 — They must u render unto Cesar the things that are Cesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s,” 4 remembering that God’s claims are supreme, and annihilate all claims that contradict or oppose them.

2. The Design of Churches . — The evident design of our Saviour in founding and preserving churches in the world, was, that they should be monuments in the midst of guilty men, bearing perpetual witness against the wickedness of the world, and to the goodness of God. But espe-

* See Part First, chap. vi.

2 1 Peter ii. 14.

4 Matt. xxii. 21.

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daily that they should be living testimonies to the work of redemption, “ the light of the world,’5 and “ the salt of the earth.55 1

They constitute the effective instrumentality by which the wrill of God and the knowledge of salvation through Christ are made known to men ; at the same time they form homes for the saints on earth ; sheep-folds for the safety of the flock, and schools for the instruction and training of the children of the covenant ; while they encourage the penitent and warn the careless. Churches should well understand their “high calling,55 and seek to accomplish it, “ according to the will of God.55 2

3. The Authority of Churches . — The authority of a church is limited to its own members, and applies to all matters of Christian character, and whatever involves the welfare of religion. It is designed to secure in all its members a conduct and conversation “ becoming godliness.55

This authority is derived directly from God ; not from states, nor princes, nor people ; not from its own officers, nor its members, nor from any other source of ecclesiastical or civil power or right.3 But Christ “ is head over all things to the church,55 4 and also as of right, “ the church

3 See Part First, chap vi.— Second Part, chap. vi.

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is subject to Christ.” 1 But the authority of the church does not extend to its own members even, in matters merely personal and temporal, and which do not affect their character or duties as Christians.2

II. — Churches Constituted.

When a number of Christians, members of the same or of different churches, believe that their own spiritual improvement, or the religious welfare of the community so requires, they organize a new church.

This is done by uniting in mutual covenant, to sustain the relations and obligations prescribed by the Gospel, to be governed by the laws of Christ’s house, and to maintain public worship and the preaching of the Gospel. Articles of faith are usually adopted, as also a name by which the church shall be known, and its officers elected.

III. — Churches Recognized.

It is customary for them to call a council, to meet at the same, or at a subsequent time, to recognize them ; that is, to examine their doctrines, inquire into the circumstances and reasons of their organization, and express, on behalf

2 See Part First, chaps, viii., ix.

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of the churches they represent, approbation for their course, and fellowship for them, as a regularly constituted church of the same denomination. The calling of a council is, however, entirely optional with the church ; it is a prudential measure merely, to secure the sympathy and approbation of sister churches, but is in no sense necessary.

The council usually hear their articles of faith and covenant ; listen to a statement of the causes which led to their organization ; examine the letters held by the constituent members ; carefully consider the whole subject, and then vote their approval, if they so approve, or advise them to the contrary, if they disapprove. It is customary to hold some appropriate religious service on the occasion, when a discourse is preached, a charge given to the church, the hand of fellowship extended by the council to the church, through some one chosen by each for the service.

Note l. — A church may fail in some respects to meet the requirements of the Gospel, and still be a Church of Christ, providing it fulfills the fundamental conditions of a scriptural faith and practice.

Note 2. — But when a church ceases to acknowledge and submit to Christ as its supreme ruler, and to receive his Word as its supreme law, then it ceases to be a Church of Christ, though

THE BAPTIST CHURCH DIRECTORY.

it may still accept some of his doctrines and practise some of his precepts.

Note 3. — If a council should refuse to recognize a newly constituted church, still that church would have the right to maintain their organization, and continue the forms of worship, and would as really be a church without, as with the sanction of the council. It would seldom, however, be expedient to do this, against the convictions of churches and pastors expressed in the decisions of a council.

Note 4. — The multiplication of feeble churches should be guarded against, and the organization of new interests without the prospect of becoming independent and efficient, should be discouraged.

Note 5. — Especially ought the formation of new churches, as the outgrowth and fruit of strife and dissension in older ones, to be avoided and discountenanced, except in the most extreme cases. A large and careful observation proves, that very few churches so constituted ever attain to any considerable degree of prosperity, or usefulness.

Note 6. — It not unfrequently happens, that a council doubts the propriety of recognizing a new church, and yet hesitates to refuse lest it might possibly place difficulties in their way, and hinder the progress of a good cause. In such cases the more wise and prudent course is, for the council to adjourn for a specified time, three or six months, at the end of which the case would be likely to present a more definite aspect, and allow of a more satisfactory decision.

Chapter II. Its Officers

The scriptural officers of a church are two : Pastor, and Deacon.

I. — The Pastor.

In the New Testament the pastor is called bishop, which means an overseer , and indicates the nature of his work. He is also called elder , or presbyter , which properly means an aged person — a term probably derived from the Jewish synagogue, and indicates dignity of office. He is also called a minister , which means a servant , and implies that he is to minister and serve in spiritual things. The term pastor signifies a shepherd , and implies also the nature of the relations he sustains to the church.

1. Ilis Duties. — The pastor is to take the oversight of the church in spiritual things. His special duties are, preaching the Gospel, administering the ordinances, carefully watching over,

1 See First Part, chap, vii., Second Part, chap. y. 20

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guiding, and advancing the- religious interests of the people, “ for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.55 1

2. His Authority . — Though pastors cannot rightfully assume authority as being “ lords over God’s heritage,55 2 yet there is a sense in which the ministerial office should command and receive a deference rendered to no other. The Apostle enjoins that “the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor,55 3 and, also, to “ obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves 55 4 Here is a sense, therefore, in which they are to rule , and the people are to obey .

3. His Sphere. — A minister should do good everywhere, “ as he has opportunity.55 But his special and particular sphere of labor is with “the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to feed the church of God ;55 5 “ taking the oversight thereof not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.55 6 Nothing else should be allowed to interfere with the completeness and fidelity of his duties to the people of his charge.

4 Heb. xiii. 17.

2 1 Peter v. S. 5 Acts xx. IS.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH DIRECTORY.

Note 1. — In choosing a pastor, the utmost care is requisite. Great prudence and discretion are needed, especially on the part of deacons and leading members of the church. An act so vitally connected with the welfare of the church and the prosperity of the Gospel, should be preceded and accompanied by earnest and protracted prayer for divine direction in the choice.

Note 2. — One should be selected who gives undoubted evidence of having been called of God to the holy work : one on whom the church can unite, and with whom they can cooperate, and who also possesses qualifications fitted for that particular field. A man of deep and undoubted piety, the integrity and consistency of whose conduct command the confidence of all who know him, and whose usefulness is hindered by no moral or social defect.

Note 3. — The connection between pastor and church is sometimes made for a limited and specified time; but more commonly it is indefinite, and can be terminated at the request of either party. Permanency in the pastoral relation should most earnestly be sought, as tending to the welfare of all concerned. Trifling disadvantages should rather be endured than remedied at the expense of those more serious evils, which frequent changes seldom fail to bring upon both church and pastor.

Note 4. — In settling a pastor, the church either calls a young man to be ordained, or one who is already in the ministry. In the first case) they should be well acquainted with the character of the candidate, and be satisfied with his reputation for piety, and also have sufficient opportunities of hearing him preach, to judge whether his gifts promise usefulness in that field. In the second case , they should be informed as to the history of his past labors, and know that he has a good report of the people of his charge, and especially of those who are without. A minister who does not command the respect of society, cannot be very useful in the church.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH DIRECTORY.

Note 5. — Is it right and proper for one church to call a man to be their pastor who is at the time pastor of another church ? Merely to call a man would neither be wrong nor dishonorable — would violate no law of Christian right or courtesy. Let the responsibility then rest with him of deciding whether it is right and expedient to accept the call. But if one church should use special means to unsettle the pastor of another, by arguments, persuasions, and inducements, it would be both unchristian and dishonorable.

Note 6. — The too common practice of hearing many candidates preach on trial cannot be approved, and usually operates most unfavorably upon the church which practises it. A few sermons, preached under such circumstances, are no just indication of a man’s ministerial ability, or pastoral qualifications. It shows little more than the manner of his address. His general reputation, and the history of his past successes, will afford a more correct estimate of his worth and adaptation.

II.- — The Deacons.

The term deacon in the New Testament means properly, a minister , or servant , and is applied to the Apostles, and even to Christ himself. But in ecclesiastical usage it designates an officer in the church.

1. Their Origin . — The account of the institution of this office is found in Acts vi. 1-6. When the number of converts was greatly multiplied, the care of the needy, and the charge of temporal affairs added so much to the labors of the Apostles as seriously to interfere with their spiritual duties. Hence having called the

THE BAPTIST CHURCH DIRECTORY.

multitude of the disciples together, they stated the case, and requested them to select “ seven men of honest report , full of the Holy Ghost , and wisdom ,” to perform this work, that they might “give themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” These were accordingly selected, when the Apostles set them apart to the service for which they were chosen, by the laying on of hands, with prayer.

2. Their Duties . — The deacons, therefore, are to be chosen from among the faithful, prudent, and experienced members by a free vote of the church. Their duties are, the care of the sick and needy members, having charge of the temporal affairs of the church, counselling with, and assisting the pastor in advancing the welfare of the body.

3. Their Number . — Their number is variable and discretionary ; usually from two to seven , according to the condition and necessities of the church, the latter being the original scriptural number. The number, however, should not be increased merely as a form, nor out of compliment to the men, but for the sake of actual and substantial service to be performed by them.

4. Their Period . — They are sometimes chosen for a limited , but more commonly for an indefi -

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nite period , their places to be filled by others whenever they or the church may desire. Permanency in this as well as the pastoral, usually tends to secure a higher regard for the office, and greater usefulness on the part of those who fill it.

5. Their Ordination . — In the Apostolic example deacons were ordained with the solemn service of laying on of hands. In our older churches, this practice was carefully adhered to, as it still is very generally at the South, but in many parts, of late, it has fallen very much into disuse. The office is coming to be far too lightly esteemed, and the scriptural character of the men is too little insisted on. Ordination, if practised, would invest both with more importance. Too much care cannot be given to secure the right kind of men, when we consider that the permanent influence of a deacon for good or evil in a church, is scarcely surpassed by that of the pastor himself.

Note 1. — It will be observed that the deaconship was not instituted by Christ, but by the Apostles, and grew out of the emergencies of the case. That it was divinely approved, however, and intended to be permanent, is evident, since Paul subsequently recognizes the office, and specifies the qualifications which deacons shall possess.

Note 2. — It will be noticed also, that the deacons were 2

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chosen by the church , that is, the u multitude of the disciples,” and chosen also from among their own number ; but were ordained, or appointed, by the Apostles, with prayer and laying on of hands.

Note 3. — The qualifications made requisite in the men sufficiently indicate the importance of the office, and the care with which it should be filled. “ Men of honest report — full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom.” While in 1 Tim. chap, iii., the qualifications required are much the same as those mentioned in the case of bishops or pastors.

Note 4. — It is evident from the character of the men, and the personal history of some of them, that while a care for the temporal interests of the church was to constitute the distinctive feature of their office and duties ; at the same time they were foremost as counsellors and coadjutors with the Apostles, for the spiritual interests of the church. Having been among the most devout, prudent, and faithful, before their election, and as the reason for their being chosen, they would not be less so, afterwards. Such should the deacons ever be.

Note 5. — The deaconesses referred to in 1 Tim. iii. 11, were, probably, not deacons’ wives, but a class of females appointed in the churches, to minister to the sick, and perform other services to those of their own sex, which could more appropriately be done by them than by the male memberg.

Ill — Other Officers.

It is usual for a church, as a matter of conveniencej to appoint a Clerk to take minutes, and preserve records of its business proceedings, with all other records and papers belonging to it. Also, a Treasurer is chosen, to hold, disburse, and account for moneys for

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church purposes. Also, Trustees are elected where they may be necessary, legally to hold property, and administer its financial affairs, and when so required by the laws of the State.

But these are the appointments of expediency, and are not scriptural church officers. The duties of the officers just mentioned do properly belong to the deacons, and constitute a part of their appropriate work. Yet it may be right, and needful, to distribute the labors and burdens of the church among its members, as also to meet any requirements of civil law.

Note 1. — The various duties and responsible services of the church should be as widely distributed among the members as practicable, so that the same persons need not fill different offices at the same time. This will avoid imposing heavy burdens on a few, accustom all to responsible duties, and guard against committing the official influence and control of the body into the hands of a few members.

Note 2. — The trustees are really a standing committee of the church appointed for a specific purpose. They are therefore entirely under the direction of the church, and not separate from, nor independent of the body. They cannot hold, use, nor dispose of the property placed in their hands, except as instructed by the church. Whatever technical rights or privileges civil laws or the decisions of courts may give them, they are bound by every principle of honor, morality and religion, strictly to perform the wishes and obey the instructions of the church by which they are appointed.

Chapter III. Its Ordinances

The Ordinances enjoined by the Gospel, and to be observed by a Christian Church, are two : Bajptism and the Lord's Supper. These are the two symbols of the new covenant, the two pillars of the spiritual temple, the two monuments of the new dispensation. Christ has appointed no others. They are positive institutions, as distinguished from those of a simply moral character ; and their force and sacredness, together with the obligation to honor and observe them, come directly from the character and authority of Christ who appointed them.