File Name: Pendleton, J.M. - Distinctive Principles of Baptist
File Submitter: James Rice
File Submitted: 18 Jul 2013
File Category: Reference Books (topx)
Author: Pendleton, James Madisione-Sword Version: 9.x - 10.x
BRIEFLY noting the many doctrines in which there is substantial agreement with other denominations, the author shows why Baptists hold that the baptism of unconscious infants is not Scriptural, and insist that believers are the only proper subjects for baptism and Church membership. The account given of John's baptism and of the personal ministry of Christ affords no justification of infant baptism. Neither in the commission given by the Savior to his apostles nor in the records of baptism by the apostles is found any thing that warrants the baptism of those who are too young to repent and believe. Appeal to the inspired record shows that in the households whose baptisms are mentioned there were none too young to "fear God," as did Cornelius "with his house," or to be "comforted," as were those of Lydia's house, or to believe in God, as did the "jailer with all his household" and also Crispus and Stephanus with their households. This disposes of the household argument of which so much has been made.
Passages of the New Testament supposed by some Pedo-baptists to refer to infant baptism are reviewed, and it is made equally apparent that they give no support to it.
The positions taken by Baptists, and the arguments by which they fortify themselves in regard to the mode, conditions, and intent of baptism; the administration of the Lord's Supper and Church independence, are clearly and forcibly stated. It is a book that ought to be in every household.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I.
BAPTISTS REGARD THE BAPTISM OF UNCONSCIOUS INFANTS AS UNSCRIPTURAL, AND INSIST ON THE BAPTISM OP BELIEVERS IN CHRIST; AND OF BELIEVERS ALONE
SECTION I.
The account given of John's baptism and of the personal ministry of Christ affords no justification, of infant baptism.
SECTION II.
The Commission given by the Saviour to his apostles just before his ascension to heaven furnishes no plea for infant baptism
SECTION III.
There is no instance of infant baptism on the day of Pentecost, nor in Samaria under the preaching of Philip.
SECTION IV.
The argument from household baptisms in favor of infant baptism is invalid.
SECTION. V.
Certain passages in the New Testament supposed by some Pedobaptists to refer to infant baptism shown to have no such reference
SECTION VI.
The allusions to baptism in the Apostolic Epistles forbid the supposition that infants were baptized
SECTION VII.
The argument from the supposed identity of the Jewish Commonwealth and the gospel church of no force.
SECTION VIII.
The argument from circumcision fails
SECTION IX.
The historical argument examined.
SECTION X.
Objections to-infant baptism.
CHAPTER II.
BAPTISTS CONSIDER THE IMMERSION IN WATER OF A BELIEVER IN CHRIST ESSENTIAL TO BAPTISM SO ESSENTIAL THAT WITHOUT IT THERE IS NO BAPTISM.
SECTION I.
Greek lexicons give "immerse," "dip," or "plunge" as the primary and ordinary meaning of baptizo
SECTION II.
Distinguished Pedobaptist scholars and theologians admit that baptizo means "to immerse"
SECTION III.
The classical usage of baptizo establishes the position of Baptists.
SECTION IV.
The design of baptism furnishes an argument in favor of the position of Baptists.
SECTION V.
The places selected for the administration of baptism, and circumstances attending its administration, as referred to in the New Testament, supply an additional argument in proof of the position of Baptists.
SECTION VI.
History bears testimony to the practice of immersion, except in cases of sickness and urgent necessity, for more than thirteen hundred years.
SECTION VII.
Pedobaptist objections answered.
CHAPTER III.
BAPTISTS HOLD THAT, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURAL ORDER, PERSONS MUST COME FIRST TO CHRIST, AND THEN TO THE CHURCH AND ITS ORDINANCES.
SECTION I.
The doctrine of baptismal regeneration reverses this order
SECTION II.
The practice of infant baptism reverses this order.
CHAPTER IV.
BAPTISTS BELIEVE THAT A SCRIPTURAL CHURCH IS A LOCAL CONGREGATION OP BAPTIZED BELIEVERS INDEPENDENT, UNDER CHRIST, OF THE STATE AND OF EVERY OTHER CHURCH, HAVING IN ITSELF AUTHORITY TO DO WHATEVER A CHURCH CAN OF RIGHT DO
SECTION I.
A scriptural church a local congregation of baptized believers
SECTION II.
The Lord's Supper observed by local churches
SECTION III
Definition of church independence
SECTION IV.
The churches of the New Testament received, excluded, and restored members
SECTION V.
The churches of the New Testament appointed their officers.
SECTION VI.
Church action is final.
SECTION VII.
Superior advantages of Independency
CONCLUSION
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