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JOSEPH S. BAKER— Editok. VOL. XII. TERMS PER ANNUM. The Christian Index, published on Friday in each week, (except two in the .year), will be furnished to each subscribei at $2 50 cents, in advance; or $3 if not paW within the year. ;C7“ Post-Masters, where the Index is taken, are requested to forward remittances for subscribers at their respective offices, according to a decision of the Post-Master General as to their right to do so. All pa trons and agents are requested to notice this. Every Agent (and all Baptist Ministers are particularly solicited to become agents) who procure and pay for live copies of the Indpx, shall be entitled to a sixth, as a com pensation for his trouble. Letters on business, or communications, must be addressed to the Editor, post paid. Advertisements may be inserted on usual terms, at the discretion of the Editor. 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