+Transcriber's Notes+
- This book is set forth as a reference for Baptist churches to
discuss their history, organization, polity, and operations. The
book itself has a small form factor, suitable to be carried in a
suit coat pocket.
- The author's perspective is quite partisan; many arguments are
introduced in favor of his preferred methods and against
alternatives.
- Detailed information on the Transcriber's changes are listed after
the text.
THE
STANDARD MANUAL
FOR
BAPTIST CHURCHES
_By_
EDWARD T. HISCOX, D.D.
Author of
"The Baptist's Short Method," "Star Book for Ministers,"
"The Star Book Series," "Pastors' Manual," etc.
PHILADELPHIA
THE AMERICAN BAPITST
PUBLICATION SOCIETY
CHICAGO KANSAS CITY LOS ANGELES SEATTLE
------------------------------------------------------------
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by
THE AMERICAN BAPITST PUBLICATION SOCIETY
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington
------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
PREFACE
It is now thirty years since the "Baptist Church Directory," prepared
by the writer, was first published. That work was designed to be
somewhat of a _consensus_ of the opinions of those best able to judge
in matters of Baptist church polity and usage, especially as to what
concerns administration and discipline. It might thus prove a help to
both pastors and members, particularly in perplexing cases liable to
arise. Thus it was hoped it might help to rectify the order and customs
of our churches through our widely extended ranks. This hope has been
realized. More than fifty thousand copies of that book have been
circulated in this country. It has also been translated, more or less
fully, into six or seven different languages by our missionaries, for
use in our missions and foreign fields.
But many of the churches desired a smaller and less expensive manual,
which they could put into the hands of all their members. To meet this
want, sixteen years ago, the writer prepared the little "Star Book on
Baptist Church Polity," which many churches have adopted, furnishing
their members and candidates for membership with them freely. This has
had a circulation of over thirty thousand copies; and both this and the
"Directory" are in as great demand as at any previous time.
It is something more than twenty years since the "Baptist Short
Method," by the same author was published. The purpose of this manual
was to give a concise view of those distinctive features which mark the
difference between Baptists and other denominations, especially as to
the ordinances and church order; and also to furnish the proofs by
which our position in these respects is justified. About ten thousand
copies of this book have found their way into circulation.
The preparation of the present manual was undertaken at the request of,
and by an arrangement with the pastor, R. S. MacArthur, D.D., on behalf
of Calvary Baptist Church, New York City, for the special use of that
church. Something was desired smaller than the "Directory," and more
full than the "Star Book," embracing certain features of the "Short
Method." When completed, it was thought to be, on the whole, so much
superior to anything ever before prepared, as a manual for general use
in Baptist churches, that by mutual consent, it was decided to have it
published for general circulation, rather than confine it to the use of
a single church.
To both ministers and members, such a manual, it is hoped, will prove a
valuable helper in the interest of church order, and of denominational
unity and prosperity. Especially for the younger members, so many
thousands of whom are yearly admitted to the fellowship of the
churches, with an unlimited franchise, while but imperfectly instructed
as to either doctrines or order, it should prove a most valuable
assistant. Concise and accurate in statement of facts, transparent in
arrangement of matters, convenient in form, and cheap in cost, pastors
will find it to their own advantage, as well as to that of their
members, to see that their churches are liberally supplied with copies.
The pastor of one of our very largest and most prosperous churches, for
whose use its preparation was undertaken, shows his estimate of its
value, and sets other pastors a wise and worthy example, by ordering in
advance of publication, _one thousand copies_ for his church.
May the Divine blessing make this, as other works have been made, a
means of furthering good order, spiritual vitality, and efficient
service for Christ, in the churches for which it is designed.
E. T. H.
MOUNT VERNON, N. Y.
January 24, 1890.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
A CHRISTIAN CHURCH