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JOSEPH S. BAKER— Editok.
VOL. XII.
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for the Christian Index.
A Dissertation oil the Covenants.
(Continued.)
In the present No. we will mention and
remark upon. The moving cause of redemp
tion, or from whence it springs and flows ;
and that is the everlasting love of God.—
“God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten son. In this was manifested
the love of God toward ns.” The love of
God here spoken of, by John, is not his
general love to all his creatures which is
shown in their creation, and in their sup
port, their beings, and in his providential
care of them, and kindness to them; but his
special love towards his elect, which was
ueasuted in elitist, or the scciet being in
him, through the everlasting covenant of
grace. The procuring cause or author of
redemption is Christ, the son of God.—
Who.n the Father moved to resolve upon
redemption, and appointed him, and called
him to this wotk : so like love, grace, and
mercy wrought in the heart of the son of
God, to engage him to this work. “In his
Jove, and in his pity, lie redeemed them;”
Os his church that was in evetv age, his
first begotten, his spiritual Israel, he said,
“l will ransom them, I will redeem them;”
as front the grave, and death, so from rve
„ry other enemy. fIE is the power .mid
wisdom and salvation of God to his people.
HE is IMMANUEL. God uith us, God 1
in our nature, so fit to be a mediator lie- 1
tweet: God anil man. “ Whercfme in all 1
things it behoved hi:n to be made like unto
hi* brethren, that lie might be a mereiful
and faith fit I high priest in things pertain
ing to God, to make reconciliation for die
sins of the people.” The adopted sons of
God, ivho were hrethien before Christ’s in-
C.arilJtlFrVh, OLMIIg noirr air ctcrinif |.n iKcit
nated to the adoption of children; and it was
only for their sake* he assumed human na
ture ; and therefore it was proper he should
he like them in that nature, in al\ things ;
it) all the essentials of it. that he might be
a merciful cm.l Juithful high priest in
things pertaining to God. He could not
be a high priest anil offer sacrifices lor sins,
unless he beman ; nor could he be a mer
ciful and eompsssionate one, and sympa
thise with his people in their affections and
Zld'he be u'tanmi’o <!>™U_nor
wful one, because every high pnest , ta-
Ue„ from among men ;fo make recanta
tion for the sins of the people,u c.ol God si
covenanted people, whom Ghnst save
from their sins, by making satisfaction f r
lhe ,n to the law, and the justice o C.oil,
which is here meant by reconc.l.at.on,
■auchoould not be done wilhouUd|fl|y|j|
THE CHRISTIAN WD M,
j and search out the deep things that belong
to God, and limit the wisdom and knowl
edge of that Glorious Being in whom we
move and have our being ? What kind of
love must lhat be, which does not secure
the salvation of any ? hut leaves them to a
reckless spirit ; for what belter does it of
fer ? or does it secure the salvation of any ?
No, but it highly reflects on the wisdom of
God. Vv here is his wisdom in forming a
scheme, in which he fails in his ends ?
Should any say it is owing to men's not
performing the conditions of this redemp
tion required of them. It mav he observed,
accoiding to their belief, that God did not
know they would not perform the condi
tions required. \\ hat benefit would it be
in providing the blessings of redemption,
for those that he knew would not acceptm
it. The one ascribes the want of knowl
edge, the other reflects on his wisdom.—
Man in this great drama is left the sovereign j
of his own will—no bounds to his licen
tiousness, but ever grasping iifi_-r.lhat which
seeinclh good in his own eves. Chris:
would not have been satisfied when he saw
the travail ol his soul. The ransom price,
the blood ol the only wise God would be
spilt in vain. There would he no surety
of man’s redemption; all would he anarchy
and dai kness ; theii teachers would walk
in their own contusion—darkness, impen
etrable darkness would gather ovei them.
LUKE.
(1 o be continued.)
for the Christian Index.
Fellowship the door into the Church —
Baptism a Gospel Ordinance—llight
hand bf Fellowship — Covenants, <s-c.
Having just read bro. Stillwell’s commu
nication, in which he uses the following
language: “Viewing Baptism as we do, as
the door into the church, and as the ordi
nance by which Christ is put on by a pub
lic profession, and the believer baptized in
to bis death and raised to newness of life ;
in slioii by which lie is made a member of
Christ's visible body.” As the opinion ex
piessetl in ilir ntinve quotation is common
amongst ttotr baptist, and perhaps universal
amongst other denominations, it is with due
deference lo our esteemed brother, and all
others wlioent rtain the same views, lhat I
dissent from that opinion. 1 have long
since believed that fellowship is the door
into the Church, and that baptism is not.
Christ says *1 am the door, by me if any
man enter in he shall be saved ; and shall
go in and out and find pasture.” Jno. 10.
If Chii.-t is the door, baptism is not; lor
£ ''t *—***“ Uui.he.s-was baptized
of John in Jordan.” Front the fact that
Christ is the door, it appears evident, that
such and only such as give satisfactorv evi
dence ol lite r faith in Christ, should he re’
ceived into the fold (church) of Christ.—
Such as outer into the church in this way,
have their names recorded in the Church
Hook, as members received into the fellow
ship of the Church by faith in Christ, “and
truly our fellowship is with the father, and
with his son Jesus Christ.” 1 Juo. 2, —3,
and such, are .entitled to all die priv.i l -.- a Tll
and live sdhed^^^^^^. v . orderly,
and and Godly ;
! our adorn the doctrine ol God
I subjc mur. And a contrary course ol life,
Ch| ts ll,e offender to the censure of the
leilf'h. and in consequence of the loss of
I at B s bipt such an one is readily sent out
I j| |j same door by which he entered. But
is not die door, I can see no
away disorderly membets Irom
you lor il we make baptism the
we cannot get them out unless weun
jl^pMheuGaml 1 none 1 picr-uim; would
such a door, or think ofstu-lia way
the Church of disorderly members.
containing bro. Geo. Lumpkin's com-
to the editor, w hiclt, to me coli
tis something new ami startling. I have
15 V 1 .r ‘
bel ° u ve bee” •) ol ,e
I
FOR THE BAPTIST CONVENTION jiF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
PEI\FIELD, GA., GEOEMBER 6, 1844.
astonished multitudes, to see one member
of the Church rise tip in majesty, and lie
down and gag nine-tenths ol Ins brethren,
and their only alternative would be to take
him aside, and ascertain whether or not,
/Icsh had produced this mighty act, and it.
not, what a hoard of submissionists
mighty minority would make !! ! Tlfv
doctrine is not only the bane of republics,
but would destroy the very existence of the
Chur.ches. I highly approve, the brother
Editor’s remarks in reply to bro. Lumpkin,
and doubt not their correctness.
Header, il you consider this a digression,
pardon it, and I will proceed with my re
marks on baptism. As brother Stillwell,
and perhaps all Christians admit lhat bap
tism is a gospel ordinance; if so, it is one
ol theru/es liy which God requires his peo
ple to worship him : and it should be con
sidered and attended lo as a solemn act of
devotion, and it is the first that a believer is
required to engage in after he is received
into the fellowship. By this act he makes
a public declaration of Ids death to sin, and
his obligation to “walk in newness of life.”
1 his walking in newness of life, implies
that lie should continue to walk in all the
ordinances, and obey all die precepts of the
Gospel ; and be “careful to maintain good
works for necessary uses,” and to “keep
himself unspoted from the world.” In this
holy act oi devotion, the believer receives
die blessed assurance that heaven approves
it, and il is the “answer of a good con ci
cnee” to him. Thus having obeyed Ins
heavenly and divine Redeemer, like the
eiracli ol old he “goes on his wav rejoic
ing.” It would piotract ibis atticle to too
great a length lo say at this lime all lhat I
desire to say upon the subject of Baptism.
But il any of my good brPthien should
think my views incorrect, and should see
proper 10 lake the subject in hand lo set me
right, this may lead lo a farther discussion
ol the subject. As to die giving die riglil
band of fellowship, there is no scripture au
thority for it when membeis ,are received
by experience as
tlier is thorn any authority- for giving jt i”
persons when baptized, if tberl* is (have
not seen it.’ It (mist** t'berefo’ro boa mere
matter of opinion on which of the"above oc
casions we should give the right hand of
fellowship, or whether we should give it at
all. But tny opinion is, when members are
received into the fellowship of the Church
is the most suitable time, as the act is in
strict accordance with the feelings of the
parties. However, there can be no reason
able objection to giving it at baptism : ibis
is common also. There is but one ciicinn
inw ol the giving the right hand of fel
lowship mentioned in die i\ew Testament,
and lhat has no allusion lo baptism,
spi eial reference to fellowship, /.hi.
whtti James, Cephas, and John, who
ed to be pillars, perceived l b e
was given unto me, they gava^* r " e a 1
Barnabas the right band of ‘ imwship, l
w e should go unto tb<-
unto the circumci.-ion-” d-ai. 2—9.
And covenants, 1 think bro. S. and
—c. others will look to the New Tesluuient
in vain lor what he “lakes to be Apostolic
or cr” in relation to covenants. I think
him unfortunate in his reference to Old Tes
tament customs to pruve the existence ol
covenants amongst the Apostles and primi
tive Christians. This would not oulv
•strengthen the hands of pedobaptisls, but
would be to concede to them, the whole
ground for which they contend to establish
infant baptism, sprinkling, &e. Ido not
impugn the motives of our respected broth
er, but have been influenced from the best
of motives to give my views upon the a
bove subjects, which I have endeavored to
condense as much as possible.
I respectfully request those who may dif
fer with me in opinion, to let us har from
llt-in, as light, not controversy is wt.at I
waut. LUKE ROBINSON.
. finion Grove, Nov. 1814.
For the Christian Index.
The Weekly Contributor.—
What ls R.-li.imn ht
1 ‘iristians-, and beholds them traveling dif
i’ ways to tlie'safqe p'ace. Some of
‘l‘y. say “ Spread the Gospel over the
Cn®; others.deny the propriety and Bible
anfiority of such a course:—s#me advocate
p-ficiples of sobriety and total abstinence
dr/m intoxicating liquors • others condemn
.proceeding:.as dangerous and unscrip
fwi: some hold out the idea lhat all the
blowers'ol should commune togeth
’others exwuinTfcil but their own panic
n*r sect; some preach on atonement, full
lor all the world that desire salva
seek it in a rio 1 :t manner; others
eoffJnd that the number to be saved is lim
t'ctr-ind elected from before the foundation
■Ate world: some drink, others are shock
ed ij the bate mention of spirits ; somejest,
quarrel, tight, apply hard names to
neighbors and bre'.lneyjßeal out shin
■b . and walk, seemingly, very crooked, to
Hi traveling :i ‘strait way;’ while others,
■'J ini are always solemn, with mournful
vi gj-s. constantly sending forth sighs and
ti|s in a most rfllffltes strain. Which
lifse denominationsgaml professors
“All is a matter not.for
to believe what each-one affirms
to prove, admit that
right. Then, in
w, mr Jtiligion? •
Is it, to go lo chinch t.i j'iß ■
TWi loo 4jl evout TlTid ay,
\ : And ere to-morrow’s sunjgqc'^jlowti,
ile dealing slander thro uni the ‘.own?”
is may do lor jjie
ot the Religion of Christ ; is’
s Great Author, the same, |
■, and forever. “To look devout and,!,
u> pray” may serve to blind tin.eyes’
ol o le jjj|,h(,!s nud even of our brethren,
‘ ,ut |ir Maker sees us and knows our de
sl S n |as well as if they were expressed in
t° np lof thunder. While ft ail. erring mor
la'sj|;e ourselves gaze upon our devout fea
tuMHjnd | lC!tr ,m r solemn moans, the all
seL ® eve Omnipotence looks upon our
“ e:ir j, and marks well its secret workings.
Allows when our countenances reflect
y il V*arncsl tiesii os of /our souls, and IB)
UllowS wtrrnurimtiV'BTtto
Il ity in faith oi designed for the eats of men.
It is’a fearful tiling to make our professions
of hove and Obedience to God merely to
dett ive the world, for “cursed is lie” says
Jermiiali, “ who doeth the work of the
Lod deceitfully !” If we are so anxious
to lease'our frail fellow-cicatures'and gain
Ihi r esteem, should we not still more de
sit i to please our Blessed Master and seek
Il sfavor 1 If we are afraid of die .
tliiworld, and the frowns of men. should
vvg.ijot much, mm” dread the disapproba
tjijjJJ’i tea veil, and die wrath of Him with
JJpo we have to do? Then let us inquire
ff ‘liginn is shown by solemn features and
v, smoothly flowing praters? Is a con
t dejection of spirits the offspring of
, liness?
“Does every sanctimonious face
Lg/f Denote the certain reign of grace?
Does not a phiz that scowls at sin
Oft veil hypocrisy within ?”
Such men as those to w hom our remarks
might apply are ever more sensitive than
otiibrs. They contend loudest lor the ad
vancement of any good cause, but seldom
aid it except with their voices, and llieir
seemiiig prayers; and if one dares to insin
uate aught against their Christian character
—which some are wicked enough to do—
(do I?) —they are like fire in stubble—rag
ing wildly and consuming every thing iu
reach. They sag they are Christians and
that others are—no better than they should
be. And ibis passes for Religion ! But
aro \ve to snip here iu our search after true
pieiy? Must those who desire to travel
Zuui-ward be directed to these long-faced,
dejected, ever-moaning Christians ? Cer
tainly. no. Then, IVhal is Religion?
Is it, to make our daily walk.
And of our own good deeds to talk.
Vet often practice secret crime.
And thus misspend our piecious time?
Here have we stumbled upon a character
oiled : one who
pledged; but did’ iiSl God see tile secret j
act, aiql did Ik- frfPl. IteaV ffio hdspjroodt-r^
//e cannot be deceived, aud Me wiH not be
I mocked! * Y
“ ’Twlhus they wear the Christian dress.
And love to all mankind profess,
Yet treat with scorn the humble poor,
And bar against them every (loot I”
And this passes for Religion! But shall
the inquirer alter holiness stop his search
here? Is he to take this for that obedience
to the will of God, which is taught in the
Bible ? If not, theii, what is Religion?
“Is it for sect and creed to fiohi.
To call our zeal the rule of right.
When what we wish is, at tfie best,
To Bee our chinch excel the test?”
Here we have the spirit which pervades de
nominations of Christians all the world over.
I heir actions, and sometimes their words,
proclaim to the sinner that he cannot he
saved unless lie unite with “ns,” and fol
low *■our ‘ rules of conduct and worship.
Disputes are raised about doctrinal points,
modes ol baptism, communion, eie. etc. i
and as they have long been wagpii so niey j
will continue to he, without ever being set- 1
tied satisfactorily at all. As all are going
on one journey, why cannot we go along i
together in harmony, leliing each other's
conscientious convictions alone? Or, if we
cannot “mix and mingle together,” why
not let each one be left to choose his own
mode of traveling, while the rest bid him
God speed, and hope to join him at the end
of the journey ? But no: —there must be
strivings, one against another for suprema
j r.y, and thus the progress of true piety ill
.all denominations is impeded. And this,
also, passes for Religion ? But must the
inquirer stop here ? All, no! This will
not do for “pure religion, and uiulefiled be
fore God;” it will not do lor Eternity,' 1
though it does for time. Then, ivhal is
Religion?
“Oh, no! Religion means not this,
Its lruit more sweet and fairer is—
Its precept this—‘to others do
As you Wu„|,; have them J., io yon.’ ”
r fhis, -Ivrs.ia I’el.irr/—* i |hr Ketlgton of
Jesus, that will do lor life, for death, for
Eternity! It leaches humility: it is pure
and forever steadfast; it eases the consci
ence ; it holds the cup of joy for the soul to
drink to its fill ; it dashes sorrow from the
heart; it disarms the monster, Death, of his
power ; if ptlints to the realms of glory ;
“It grieves to hear an ill report,
And scorns woes to sport—
’ ° f -*’ ■’ H speJw na ill.
But tells til’good or else keeps still.”
When the earnest inquirer arrives at this
point, he may tease his scaich, for lie has
lighted upon the Truth. He has lomid
Religion in its purity, and he may hug the
treasure to his heart. He has found the
“pearl of great price,”—the Gem. which
will sparkle brighter and blighter the hmgeg
it is worn !
“Oh, haste the blissful, joyful day, 1
When ali the earth may own its sway !” I
We should remember that this is the on-1
ly religion that will benefit us here or here-’
liter ; lhat God sees our secret actions and
knows our secret thoughts ; we should re
member that
“Religion is the chief concern
Os mortals here below.”
T. M. S.
Mount Jefferson, Ala.
We object to the term “modes of bap
tism” in the above. Ruptism means im
mersion. Tliew is no dispute about the
mode of immersion, though the act may be
perfurmejyin different ways. Editor.
t
For the Christian Index.
Dear bro. Raker —l have seen, in a late
number of the Index, the following query :
“Is it consistent with gospel older for a
regular Baptist Church to leceive members
from those cbui/ncs known as United Bap
tists, who luty# been baptized by miniajters]
of that oriler/wilhout rebaptism.”
In coimpdon with the dillictdtv invo/v-1
ed in thy above quer/, standi a’"tiler mult
a more impouant o* ,; wiiii B ioJ
some ca- s they hav^l
jfek) ‘ “ ‘ ' l “ ‘ • 1 “I ‘ H j,,, fl
■ , I
I I
Publisher— BENT BRANTLY.
on tltis matter, and have sfcnt the following
W r . v *8 Covering the question
Query. Is it’in accordance -.vii!j
pel for a regular Baptist Church to receive
iiit(j"their Church (.without rehaptisin) those
persons who have been Baptized by an in
dividual who stands excluded from the reg
ular Baptist Church for immoral conduct,
but who has since been received by the
Uniitd Baptists and by them ordained to
the miiiistiy ? AN INQUIRER.
A Her an individual has been excluded
from ii church, he is considered incompe
tent to act for the church. Evei v act of his,
professedly a chinch act, is considered in
valid, until he is restored to the fellowship
of the church. This is admitted, we be
lieve, both by the Regular Baptists and
the United Baptist Churches, so that the
question resolves itself into this, Can one
church scripturally restore an individual to
fellowship who has been seripturaliy exclu
ded from another ? Whether it be scriptu
ral or not to do this, we will not now under
fic to decide. e answered a query of
that kind m the index last jra-a.,;
from Maryland or Virginia. It is certain
that the practice, if generally adopted, would
lead io great confusion. We should have
frequently to sit at the Lord’s table with
Ulse who had been excluded from our own
church.
We hope soineof our correspondents will
answer the query of “An Inquirer” more
lolly. He is a worthy and beloved broth
er in the gospei ministry. Will not some
of our lathers in the ministry give their
views on the subject ?
For the Christian Index.
■dir. E litor~ l see iu the Index of tlie
25th ol October, that some Jiulhor, pitying
.certain “worthier individuals” than myself,
whom he supposes to be in want of infor
mation, lias condescended toexpose my er
rors. lie says, “If no opposition is made
to errors so popular, so greedily drunk in
by unsuspecting Christians, the cause of
truth, as we hold it v must suffer, and we
cast out as evil doers. ,v„ ancient unctor
10l Jaw once taught his brethren after this
manner :—Refrain from these men, and let
them alone : lor if this counsel or this work
jbe of men, it will come to naught; but if it
be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest
j haply ye be found even to light against God.
I But lam nut now going to uttempt a re
j filiation of this author’s theory. A man
■ who conceals himself under some fictitious
j name, or is ashamed to subscribe his name
to his own production, is unworthy of no
iH’c. II lie shall think proper hereafter to
come from behind the curtains, I will at
tempt, at least, to defend myself from his
foul aspersions, and, I thiol;, show that he
has killed his fuioriig, e-trcenmH. by Ids own
quotaiioM^nfftf'vTrtually,acknowledged the
00tt!uoir from my pamphlet to be correct.
Respectfully youis,
P. REEVES.
NO. 49