FOOTNOTES:[1]For a more comprehensive discussion of councils—what they can, and what they cannot do, how to call, and how to use them—see the “Star Book on Baptist Councils.”
[1]For a more comprehensive discussion of councils—what they can, and what they cannot do, how to call, and how to use them—see the “Star Book on Baptist Councils.”
[1]For a more comprehensive discussion of councils—what they can, and what they cannot do, how to call, and how to use them—see the “Star Book on Baptist Councils.”
church business
The business meetings of a 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 all the interests of the kingdom of Christ. Meetings for business should not be needlessly multiplied, nor should they be unwisely neglected. It may not be wise to insist too rigidly on the observance of parliamentary rules, yet it is still worse to drift into a loose unbusinesslike way, which wastes time, accomplishes little, and does wrongly much that is done.
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 theminutes present, including reports of committees 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 previous consultation with the pastor and deacons.
Note1.—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.
Note2.—All business meetings, both regular and special, should be announced from the pulpit one Sunday, at least, before they are held.
Note3.—Special meetings for business may be called at any time, by consent of the pastor and deacons, or by such other methods as the church itself may direct.
Note4.—Though a majority usually decides questions, yet in all matters of special importance a unanimous, or nearly unanimous, vote should be secured.
Note5.—Members may be received, and letters of dismission granted, either at the business church meeting, the covenant meeting, or the regular weekly prayer meeting, the church so directing. Some fixed method should be observed.
Note6.—Candidates for admission to membership will be expected to retire from the meeting when action is taken on their reception.
Note7.—No persons, except members, will be present during the transaction of church business. If present, they may be asked to retire.
Note8.—Although the church should endeavor 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 Christian, not to publish abroad, nor disclose to those without, the private affairs and business transactions of the body.
rules of order
The following constitute the generally accepted rules of order for churches and other deliberative bodies in business proceedings:
Motions
1. All business shall be presented by amotion,made by one member, and seconded by another, and presented in writing by the mover, if so required.
2. No discussion can properly be had until the motion is made, seconded, and stated by the chairman.
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 vote, 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 any one time. No second motion can be allowed to interrupt one already under debate, except a motion toamend,tosubstitute,tocommit,topostpone,tolay on the table,forthe previous question,or toadjourn.
9. These subsidiary motions just named cannot be interrupted by any other motion; nor can any other motion be applied to them except that toamend,which may be done by specifying sometime, place,orpurpose.
10. Nor can these motions interrupt or supersede each other; only that a motion toadjournis always in order, except while a member has the floor, or a question is being taken, and in some bodies even then.
Amendments
1. Amendments to resolutions may be made in three ways: Byomitting,byadding,or bysubstitutingwords 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 essentially changes the meaning or design of the original resolution.
4. But asubstitutemay be offered, which may change entirely the meaning of the resolution under debate.
5. The amendment must first be discussed and acted on, and then the original resolution as amended.
Speaking
1. Any member desiring to speak on a question should rise in his place and address the moderator, confine his remarks to the question, and avoid all unkind and disrespectful language.
2. A speaker using improper language, introducing 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, or take his seat.
3. A member while speaking can allow others to ask questions, or make explanations; but 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 for the question deprive a member of his right to speak.
Voting
1. A question is put to vote by the chairman having first distinctly restated it, that all may vote intelligently. First, theaffirmative,then thenegativeis called; each so deliberately as to give all an opportunity of voting. He then distinctly announces whether the motion iscarried,orlost.
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 questions by ballot.
3. If the vote, as announced by 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 is expected, but is not obligated to give the casting vote.
6. When the vote is to be taken by ballot, the chairman appointstellers,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 committees shall beappointedby the chairman, in which case no vote is needed to confirm.
2. Any matter of business, or subject under debate, may bereferredto a committee, with or without instructions. The committee make theirreport,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 isacceptedby a vote, which acknowledges their services,and takes the report before the body for its action. Afterward, any distinctrecommendationcontained in the report is acted on, and may be adopted or rejected.
4. Frequently, however, when the recommendations of the committee are of a trifling moment or likely to be generally acceptable, the report isacceptedandadoptedby the same vote.
5. A report may berecommittedto the committee, with or without instructions; or that committee 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 concurrence of the body.
6. A committee may be appointedwith powerfor a specific purpose. This gives them power to dispose conclusively of the matter, without further reference to the body.
7. The first named in the appointment of a committee is by courtesy considered thechairman.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. Committees of arrangement, or for other protracted service,report progressfrom time to time, and are continued until their final report, or until their appointment expires by limitation.
10. A committee isdischargedby a vote, when its business is done, and its report accepted. But usually, in routine business, a committee is considered discharged by the acceptance of its report.
Standing Committee
A committee appointed to act for a given period or during the recess of the body is called astanding committee.It has charge of a given department of business assigned by the body, and acts either with power, under instructions, or at discretion, as may be ordered. A standing committee 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 mayappealfrom 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 affirmative, is final. The right of appeal is undeniable, but should not be resorted to on trivial occasions.
Previous Question
Debate may be cut short by a vote to take theprevious question.This means that the original, or main, question under discussion be immediately voted on, regardless of amendments and secondary questions and without further debate. Usually atwo-thirdsvote is necessary to order the previous question.
1. If the motion for the previous question becarried,then the main question must be immediately taken, without further debate.
2. If the motion for the previous question belost,the debate proceeds, as though no such motion had been made.
3. If the motion for the previous question belost,it cannot be renewed with reference to the same question, during the same session.
To Lay on the Table
Immediate and decisive action on any question under discussion may be deferred, by a vote tolay on the tablethe resolution pending. This disposes of the whole subject for the present, and ordinarily is in effect a final dismissal of it. But 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.
1. Sometimes, however, a resolution is laid on the table for the present, or until a specified time, to give place to other business.
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 simplepostponementis for a specified time or purpose, the business to be resumed when the time or purpose is reached. But a questionindefinitely postponedis considered as finally dismissed.
Not Debatable
Certain motions, by established usage, arenot debatable,but when once before the body, must be taken without discussion.
These are: Theprevious question,forindefinite postponement,tocommit,tolay on the table,toadjourn.
But when these motions are modified by some condition oftime, place,orpurpose,they become debatable, and subject to the rules of other motions; but debatable only in respect to the time, place, or purpose which brings them within the province of debate.
A body is, however, competent, by a vote, to allow debate on all motions.
To Reconsider
A motion toreconsidera motion previously passed must be made by one who votedforthe motion when it passed.
If the body votes to reconsider, then the motion or resolution being reconsidered, stands before them as previous to its passage, and may be discussed, 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 discussion, as foreign,profitless, or contentious, the moderator should at once put the question,“Shall this motion be discussed?”If this question be decided in the negative, the subject must be dismissed.
Order of the Day
The body may decide to take up some definite business at a specified time. That business therefore becomes theorder of the day,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 improperly, may at any timerise to a point of order.He must distinctly state his question or objection, which the moderator will decide.
Privileges
Questions relating to therightsandprivilegesof 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 besuspendedby a vote of the body, to allow the transaction of business necessary, but which could not otherwise be done without a violation of such rule.
Filling Blanks
Where different members are suggested for filling blanks, thehighest number, greatest distance,andlongest timeare usually voted on first.
Adjournment
1. A simple motionto adjournis always in order, except while a member is speaking, or when taking a vote. It takes precedence of all other motions, and is not debatable.
2, In some deliberative bodies, a motion to adjourn is in order while a speaker has the floor, or a vote is being taken, the business to stand, on reassembling, precisely as when adjournment took place.
3. A body may adjourn to a specific time; but if no time be mentioned, the fixed, or usual time of meeting, is understood. If there be no fixed, or usual time of meeting, then an adjournment without date is equivalent to a dissolution.
christian doctrine
All evangelical churches profess to take the Holy Scriptures as their only and sufficient guide in matters of religious faith and practice. Baptists, especially, claim to have no authoritative creed except the New Testament. It is common, however, for the churches to have formulated statements of what are understood to be the leading Christian doctrines, printed and circulated among their members. These are not uniform among the churches, but are in substantial agreement as to the doctrines taught. Indeed, each church is at liberty to prepare its own confession, or have none at all; no one form being held as binding and obligatory on the churches to adopt. Members, on being received to fellowship, are not required to subscribe or pledge conformity to any creed-form, but are expected to yield substantial agreement to that which the church with which they unite has adopted.
There are two Confessions which have gained more general acceptance than any others, and are now being widely adopted by the churches over the country. As to substance of doctrine, they do not essentially differ. That known as the New Hampshire Confession is commonly used by the churches North, East, and West; while that known as the Philadelphia Confession, is very generally in use in the South and Southwest. The former is much more brief and for that reason preferred by many. The other is substantially the London Confession of Faith, published by English Baptists in 1689. It is much more full in statement than the other, and is higher in its tone as to the doctrines of grace.
American Baptists are decidedly Calvinistic as to substance of doctrine, but moderately so, being midway between the extremes of Arminianism and Antinomianism. Though diversities of opinion may incline to either extreme, the “general atonement” view is for the most part held, while the “particular atonement” theory is maintained by not a few. The freedom of the human will is declared, while the sovereignty of Divine grace, and the absolute necessity of the Spirit’s work in faith and salvation aremaintained. They practice “strict communion,” as do their mission churches in foreign lands. In Great Britain, Baptists are sharply divided between “strict and free communion,” and between the particular and the general atonement theories.
The New Hampshire Confession, with a few verbal changes, is here inserted. But some of the proof-texts usually accompanying these articles are, for want of space, omitted.[1]
ARTICLES OF FAITH
i. the scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men Divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenlyinstruction;[1]that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for itsmatter;[2]that it reveals the principles by which God will judgeus;[3]and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.
[1] 2 Tim.3:16,17. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Also, 2 Peter1:21;2 Sam.23:2;Acts1:16.
[2] Prov.30:5,6. Every word of God is pure. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Also, John17:17;Rev.22:18,19; Rom.3:4.
[3] Rom.2:12.As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. John12:47,48. If any man hear My words—the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Also, 1 Cor.4:3,4; Luke10:10–16;12:47,48.
ii. the true god
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name isJehovah,the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven andEarth:[1]inexpressibly glorious inholiness,[2]and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, andlove;[3]that in the unity of the Godhead there are three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the HolyGhost;[4]equal in every Divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
[1] John4:24.God is a spirit. Ps.147:5.His understanding is infinite. Ps.83:18.Thou whose name alone isJehovahart the Most High over all the earth. Heb.3:4;Rom.1:20;Jer.10:10.
[2] Exod.15:11.Who is like unto Thee—glorious in holiness? Isa.6:3;1 Peter1:15,16; Rev.4:6–8.
[3] Mark12:30.Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, andwith all thy strength. Rev.4:11.Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power. Matt.10:37;Jer.2:12,13.
[4] Matt.28:19.Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. John15:26;1 Cor.12:4–6.
iii. the fall of man
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of hisMaker;[1]but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happystate;[2]in consequence of which all mankind are nowsinners[3]not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under justcondemnation,[4]without defense orexcuse.[5]
[1] Gen.1:27.God created man in His own image. Gen.1:31.And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Eccl.7:29;Acts17:26;Gen.2:16.
[2] Gen.3:6–24. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Rom.5:12.
[3] Rom.5:19.By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. John3:6;Ps.51:5;Rom.5:15–19;8:7.
[4] Eph.2:3.Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others.
[5] Ezek.18:19,20. The soul that sinneth it shall die. Rom.1:20.So that they are without excuse. Rom.3:19.That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Gal.3:22.
iv. the way of salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly ofgrace;[1]through the mediatorial offices of the Son ofGod;[2]who according to the will of the Father, became man, yet withoutsin;[3]honored the Divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for oursins;[4]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 qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and all-sufficientSaviour.[5]
[1] Eph.2:5.By grace ye are saved. Matt.18:11;1 John4:10;1 Cor.3:5–7; Acts15:11.
[2] John3:16.For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[3] Phil.2:6–7. Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took on Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
[4] Isa.53:4,5. 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.
[5] Heb.7:25.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.2:9.For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
v. justification
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing whichChrist[1]secures to such as believe in Him isjustification;[2]that justification includes the pardon ofsin,[3]and the gift of eternal life 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 Christ; by means of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us byGod;[4]that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time andeternity.[5]
[1] John1:16.Of His fulness have all we received. Eph.3:8.
[2] Acts13:39.By Him all that believe are justified from all things. Isa.3:11,12; Rom.5:1.
[3] Rom.5:9.Being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Zech.13:1;Matt.9:6;Acts10:43.
[4] Rom.5:19.By the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Rom.3:24–26;4:23–25; 1 John2:12.
[5] Rom.5:1,2. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
vi. the freeness of salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to allby theGospel:[1]that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedientfaith;[2]and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of theGospel;[3]which rejection involves him in an aggravatedcondemnation.[4]
[1] Isa.55:1.Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye in the waters. Rev.22:17.Whosoever will; let him take the water of life freely.
[2] Acts17:30.And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. Rom.16:26;Mark1:15;Rom.1:15–17.
[3] John5:40.Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. Matt.23:37;Rom.9:32.
[4] John3:19.And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Matt.11:20;Luke19:27;2 Thess.1:8.
vii. regeneration
We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, men must be regenerated, or bornagain;[1]that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to themind;[2]that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the Holy Spirit, in connection with Divinetruth,[3]so as to secure our voluntary obedience to theGospel;[4]and that its proper evidence appears in theholy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness oflife.[5]
[1] John3:3.Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John3:6,7; 1 Cor.1:14;Rev.3:7–9; Rev.21:27.
[2] 2 Cor.5:17.If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Ezek.36:26;Deut.30:6;Rom.2:28,29.
[3] John3:8.The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John1:13;James1:16–18; 1 Cor.1:30;Phil.2:13.
[4] 1 Peter1:22–25. Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. 1 John5:1;Eph.4:20–24; Col.3:6–11.
[5] Eph.5:9.The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness, and truth. Rom.8:9;Gal.5:18–23; Eph.5:14–21; Matt.3:8–10,7:20;1 John5:4,18.
viii. repentance and faith
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in the soul by the regenerating Spirit ofGod;[1]whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation byChrist,[2]we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficientSaviour.[3]
[1] Mark1:15.Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Acts11:18.Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Eph.2:8.By grace are ye saved, through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 1 John3:1.
[2] John16:8.He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Acts2:38.Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts16:30,31.
[3] Romans10:9–11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts3:22,23; Heb.4:14.
ix. god’s purpose of grace
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and savessinners;[1]that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with theend;[2]that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereigngoodness;[3]that it utterly excludes boasting, and promoteshumility;[4]that it encourages the use of means; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly accept ofChrist;[5]that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmostdiligence.[6]
[1] 2 Tim.1:8,9. But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the power of God: who hath saved us andcalled us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
[2] 2 Thess.2:13,14. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[3] 1 Cor.4:7.For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor.1:26–31; Rom.3:27.
[4] 2 Tim.2:10.Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1 Cor.9:22;Rom.8:28–30.
[5] 1 Thess.1:4.Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
[6] 2 Peter1:10,11. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure. Phil.3:12;Heb.6:11.
x. sanctification
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of Hisholiness;[1]that it is a progressivework;[2]that it is begun in regeneration; that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power 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, watchfulness andprayer;[3]andin the practice of all godly exercise andduties.[4]
[1] 1 Thess.4:3.For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 1 Thess.5:23.And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. 2 Cor.7:1;13:9;Eph.1:4.
[2] Prov.4:18.The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more, unto the perfect day.
[3] Phil.2:12,13. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Eph.4:11,12; 1 Peter2:2;2 Peter3:18;2 Cor.13:5;Luke11:35;9:23;Matt.26:41;Eph.6:18,4:30.
[4] 1 Tim.4:7.Exercise thyself unto godliness.
xi. perseverance of saints
We believe the Scriptures teach that such as are truly regenerate, being born of the Spirit, will not utterly fall away and perish, but will endure unto theend;[1]that their preservering attachment from Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficialprofessors;[2]that a special Providence watches over theirwelfare;[3]and that they are kept by the power of God through faith untosalvation.[4]
[1] John8:31.Then said Jesus, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed. 1 John2:27,28.
[2] 1 John2:19.They went out from us, but they were not of us: for 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 were not all of us.
[3] Rom.8:28.And we know that all things work together for good unto them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Matt.6:30–33; Jer.32:40.
[4] Phil.1:6.He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil.2:12,13.
xii. the law and gospel
We believe the Scriptures teach that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moralgovernment;[1]that it is holy, just, andgood;[2]and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinfulnature;[3]to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visiblechurch.[4]
[1] Rom.3:31.Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid. Yea, we establish the law. Matt.5:17;Luke16:17;Rom.3:20;4:15.
[2] Rom.7:12.The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom.7:7,14, 22; Gal.3:21;Ps. 119.
[3] Rom.8:7,8. The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[4] Rom.8:2–4. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
xiii. a gospel church
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible Church of Christ is a company of baptizedbelievers,[1]associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of theGospel;[2]observing the ordinances ofChrist;[3]governed by Hislaws;[4]and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by HisWord;[5]that its only Scriptural officers are bishops or pastors, anddeacons,[6]whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
[1] Acts2:41,42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.
[2] 2 Cor.8:5.They first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
[3] 1 Cor.11:2.Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you.
[4] Matt.28:20.Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. John13:15.
[5] 1 Cor.14:12.Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
[6] Phil.1:1.With the bishops and deacons. Acts14:23,15:22.1 Tim. 3, Titus 1.
xiv. christian baptism
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in waterof a believer inChrist,[1]into the name of the Father, and Son, and HolyGhost;[2]to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in His death to sin and resurrection to a newlife;[3]that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation, and to the Lord’sSupper.[4]
[1] Acts8:36–39. And the eunuch said, See, here is water: what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. . . . And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Matt.3:5,6; John3:22,23;4:1,2; Matt.28:19.
[2] Matt.28:19.Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts10:47,48; Gal.3:27,28.
[3] Rom.6:4.Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Col.2:12.
[4] Acts2:41,42. 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.28:19,20.
xv. the lord’s supper
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord’s Supper is a provision of bread and wine, representing Christ’s body and blood, partaken of by the members of the church assembled for thatpurpose,[1]in commemoration of the death of theirLord,[2]showingtheir faith and participation in the merits of His sacrifice, their dependence on Him for spiritual life andnourishment,[3]and their hope of life eternal through His resurrection from the dead; its observance to be preceded by faithfulself-examination.[4]
[1] Luke22:19,20. 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. Likewise the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. Mark14:26–28; Matt.26:27–30; 1 Cor.11:22–30; 1 Cor.10:16.
[2] 1 Cor.11:26.For as oft as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death until He come. Matt.28:20.
[3] John6:35,54, 56. Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life. Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath eternal life. He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood dwelleth in Me, and I in him.
[4] 1 Cor.11:28.But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. Acts2:42,46;20:7,11.
xvi. the lord’s day
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’sDay,[1]and is to be kept sacred to religiouspurposes[2]by abstaining from all secular labor, except works of mercy andnecessity;[3]by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private andpublic;[4]and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
[1] Acts20:7.On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them.
[2] Exod.20:8.Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Rev.1:10.I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. Ps.113:2–4.
[3] Isa.58:13,14. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day: and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob. Isa.56:2–8.
[4] Heb.10:24,25. Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is. Acts13:44.The next Sabbath Day came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God.
xvii. civil government
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of Divine appointment, for the interest and good order of humansociety;[1]and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, andobeyed;[2]except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord JesusChrist,[3]who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of theearth.[4]
[1] Rom.13:1–7. The powers that be are ordained of God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.
[2] Matt.22:21.Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s. Titus3:1;1 Peter2:13;1 Tim.2:1–8.
[3] Acts5:29.We ought to obey God rather than man. Matt.10:28.Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Dan.3:15–18;6:7,10; Acts4:18–20.
[4] Matt.23:10.Ye have one Master, even Christ. Rev.19:16.And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,King of kings and Lord of lords.Ps.72:11;Ps. 2; Rom.14:8–13.
xviii. righteous and wicked
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and thewicked;[1]that such only as are regenerate, being justified through faith in Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in Hisesteem;[2]while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in His sight, wicked and under thecurse;[3]and this distinction holds among men, both in and afterdeath.[4]
[1] Mal.3:18.Ye shall discern between the righteous and the wicked: between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Prov.12:26;Isa.5:26;Gen.18:23;Jer.15:19;Acts10:34,35; Rom.6:16.
[2] Rom.1:17.The just shall live by faith. 1 John2:29.If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him. 1 John3:7;Rom.6:18,22; 1 Cor.11:32;Prov.11:31;1 Peter4:17,18.
[3] 1 John5:19.And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. Gal.3:10.As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. John3:36;Isa.57:21;Ps.10:4;Isa.55:6,7.
[4] Prov.14:32.The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his death. Luke16:25.Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. John8:21–24; Prov.10:24;Luke12:4,5;11:23–26; John12:25,26; Eccl.3:17.
xix. the world to come
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world isapproaching;[1]that at the last day Christ will descend fromheaven,[2]and raise the dead from the grave for finalretribution;[3]that a solemn separation will then takeplace;[4]that the wicked will be adjudged to endless sorrow, and the righteous to endlessjoy;[5]and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell on principles ofrighteousness.[6]
[1] 1 Peter4:7.But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Cor.7:29–31; Heb.1:10–12; Matt.24:35.
[2] Acts1:11.This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.
[3] Acts24:15.There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 1 Cor.15:12–58; Luke14:14;Dan.12:2.
[4] Matt.13:49.The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. Matt.13:37–43;24:30,31;25:31–33.
[5] Matt.25:31–46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Rev.22:11.He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy; let him be holy still. 1 Cor.6:9,10; Mark9:43–48.
[6] 2 Thess.1:6–12. 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 saints, and to be admired in all them thatbelieve. Heb.6:1,2; 1 Cor.4:5;Acts17:31;Rom.2:2–16; Rev.20:11,12; 1 John2:28;4:17;2 Peter3:11,12. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God?
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 otherto walk together in Him, with brotherly love,to His glory, as our common Lord. We do, therefore, in His strength, engage—
That we will exercise a Christian care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully warn, exhort, and admonish each other as occasion may require:
That we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but will uphold the public worship of God and the ordinances of His house:
That we will not omit closet and family religion at home, nor neglect the great duty of religiously training our children, and those under our care, for the service of Christ and the enjoyment of heaven:
That, as we are the light of the world, and the salt of the earth, we will seek Divineaid to enable us to deny ungodliness and every worldly lust, and to walk circumspectly in the world, that we may win the souls of men:
That we will cheerfully contribute of our property according as God has prospered us, for the maintenance of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, for the support of the poor, and to spread the Gospel over the earth.
That we will in all conditions, even till death, strive to live to the glory of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
“And may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”