Difference between revisions of "Baptists"

<p> or ANTIPAEDOBAPTISTS, so called from their rejecting the baptism of infants. The [[Baptists]] in [[England]] form one of "the three denominations of [[Protestant]] Dissenters." The constitution of their churches, and their modes of worship, are congregational, or independent. They bore a considerable share in the sufferings of the seventeenth and preceding centuries: for there were many among the [[Lollards]] and [[Wickliffites]] who disapproved of infant baptism. There were also many of this faith among the [[Protestants]] and [[Reformers]] abroad. In Holland, Germany, and the north, they went by the names of [[Anabaptists]] and Mennonites; and in [[Piedmont]] and the south, they were found among the Albisenses and Waldenses. The Baptists subsist chiefly under two denominations,—the [[Particular]] or Calvinistical, and the General or Arminian. The former is by far the most numerous. Some of both denominations, General and Particular, allow of free or mixed communion; admitting to the Lord's table pious persons who have not been immersed, while others consider that as an essential requisite to communion. These are sometimes called [[Strict]] Baptists. Other societies of this denomination observe the seventh day of the week as their Sabbath, apprehending the original law of the [[Sabbath]] to remain in force, unaltered and unrepealed. These are called Seventh-day Baptists. A considerable number of the General Baptists have gone into Unitarianism; in consequence of which, those who maintained the doctrines of the [[Trinity]] and atonement, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, formed themselves into what is called The New Connection," or Association. These preserve a friendly correspondence with their other brethren in things which concern the general interests of the denomination, but hold no religious communion with them. Some congregations of General Baptists admit three distinct orders of church officers: messengers or ministers, elders, and deacons. The Baptists in America, and in the East and West Indies, are chiefly Calvinists; but many of them admit of free communion. The Scottish Baptists form a distinct denomination, and are distinguished by several peculiarities of church government. "No trace can be found of a [[Baptist]] church in Scotland," says Mr. Jones, "excepting one which appears to have been formed out of Cromwell's army, previous to 1765, when a church was settled at Edinburgh, under the pastoral care of Mr. Carmichael and Mr. [[Archibald]] M'Lean. Others have since been formed at Dundee, Glasgow, and in most of the principal towns of Scotland:" also at London, and in various parts of England. They think that the order of public worship, which uniformly obtained in the [[Apostolic]] churches, is clearly set forth in &nbsp;Acts 2:42-47; and therefore they endeavour to follow it out to the utmost of their power. They require a plurality of elders in every church, administer the Lord's Supper, and make contributions for the poor every first day of the week. The prayers and exhortations of the brethren form a part of their church order, under the direction and control of the elders, to whom it exclusively belongs to preside in conducting the worship, to rule in cases of discipline, and to labour in the word and doctrine, in distinction from the brethren exhorting one another. The elders are all laymen, generally chosen from among the brethren; but, when circumstances require, are supported by their contributions. They approve also of persons who are properly qualified for it, being appointed by the church to preach the [[Gospel]] and baptize, though not vested with any pastoral charge. The discipline and government of the Scottish Baptists are strictly congregational. </p>

<p> A denomination of [[Christians]] who maintain that baptism is to be administered by immersion, and not by sprinkling. </p> <p> See BAPTISM. Although there were several Baptists among the Albigenses, Waldenses, and the followers of Wickliffe, it does not appear that they were formed into any stability until the time of Menno, about the year 1536. </p> <p> See ANABAPTISTS and MENNONITES. About 1644 they began to make a considerable figure in England, and spread themselves into several separate congregations. They separated from the [[Independents]] about the year 1638, and set up for themselves under the pastoral care of Mr. Jesse; and, having renounced their former baptism, they sent over one of their number to be immersed by one of the Dutch Anabaptists of Amsterdam, that he might be qualified to baptize his friends in England after the same manner. The Baptists subsist under two denominations, viz. the Particular or Calvinistical, and the General or Arminian. Their modes of church government and worship are the same as the Independents; in the exercise of which they are protected, in common with other dissenters, by the act of toleration. </p> <p> Some of both denominations allow of mixed communion; by which it is understood that those who have not been baptized by immersion, on the profession of their faith, may sit down at the Lord's table with those who have been thus baptized. Others, however, disallow it, supposing that such have not been actually baptized at all. </p> <p> See FREE COMMUNION. Some of them observe the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath, apprehending the law that enjoined it not to have been repealed by Christ. Some of the General Baptists have, it is said, gone into Socinianism, or Arianism; on account of which, several of their ministers and churches who disapprove of these principles, have within the last forty years formed themselves into a distinct connection, called the New Association. The churches in this union keep up a friendly acquaintance, in some outward things, with those from whom they have separated; but in things more essential disclaim any connection with them, particularly as to changing ministers, and the admission of members. </p> <p> The General Baptists have, in some of their churches, three distinct orders separately ordained, viz. messengers, elders, and deacons. Their general assembly is held annually in [[Worship]] Street, London, of the Tuesday in the Whitsun week. The Baptists have two exhibitions for students to be educated at one of the universities of Scotland, given them by Dr. Ward, of Gresham College. There is likewise an academy at [[Bristol]] for students, generally known by the name of the Bristol [[Education]] Society. The Baptists in [[America]] and in the East and West Indies are chiefly Calvinists, and hold occasional fellowship with the Particular Baptist churches in England. Those in Scotland, having imbibed a considerable part of the principles of Messrs. Glass and Sandeman, have no communion with the other. They have liberally contributed, however, towards the translation of the [[Scriptures]] into the Bengalee language, which some of the Baptist brethren are now accomplishing in the East. </p> <p> See Rippon's Baptist Register, vol. 1: p. 172-175; Adams's View of Religions, article Baptists; Evans's Sketch of [[Religious]] Denominations. </p>