03. Lecture I; Positive Institutions and Observations

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE.

IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS, AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE ORDINANCE OF BAPTISM. The object of these Lectures is to state the doctrine of the Scriptures on the ordinance of Christian Baptism. It is a very common, though a very groundless and hurtful opinion, that the discussion of this subject is unnecessary. Positive institutions are far from being uninteresting to the friends of religion; in them the truth is embodied, and the observance of them, as of every precept of revelation, belongs to the obedience of faith, and comfort of the gospel. We have salutary warning in the scriptures, that it is at our peril, if we act on the popular error, that positive institutions are unworthy of study and attention. "He that despised Moses’ law, died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath — done despite unto the spirit of grace." "The Lord smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the Lord, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men." "And when they came to Nachon’s thrashing floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error, and there he died by the ark of God." 1Co 11:27, "Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

James, speaking of violating a positive injunction, viz. having respect of persons in church associations, represents it as a violation of the whole law. "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." And speaking of the commandments, whether positive or moral, our Lord says, Mat 5:19, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Our consciences are charged with the study of the doctrine of baptism, by peculiar and affecting considerations. It occupies a large proportion of New Testament revelation. From the line of positive institutions, baptism stands prominently out, and attracts special attention, Mark 16:15-16, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." John 3:5, "Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." 1Pe 3:21, "Baptism doth also now save us, not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." The interests of the Church of Christ are deeply concerned in the scriptural administration, and of course, in the diligent study of this ordinance. Baptism, like every other ordinance, must be administered in the name of God. Suppose for a moment, that the administrator proceeds in this name, whilst he cannot produce his mandate, he proceeds in profanation of the dreadful name of Jehovah. Whoever countenances, or encourages the profanation, makes the guilt his own, and subjects himself to the consequences. Suppose a parent to misunderstand this ordinance; he not only himself sins against God, but throws in the way of his child, obstructions which he may never be able to surmount. Suppose a missionary to introduce amongst the heathen, a corrupt administration of this ordinance; ages may be required to remove the corruption. The Churches of Christ are at present, most unhappily divided, and until this institution be honestly studied, and rightly observed, these mortifying divisions can never be healed. The study of the subject is pressed on the conscience of each individual, by a regard to his own interest. The Christian world is divided; the question is practical; I must bear witness in one way or another. If I have not studied the subject, how do I know that I am not bearing false witness against my neighbor; calling good evil, and evil good; and instead of making my light so shine before men, that others may see my good works, and glorify God? — if I have not studied the subject, how do I know that I am not, by my example, misleading others, and bringing myself under the woe denounced? Mat 18:7, “Woe unto the world because of offences, for it must needs be, that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh." “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Consequently, if I cannot from the word of God, vindicate my practice to my own mind, I sin against God. It ought never to be forgotten, that ignorance is no valid plea. Luk 12:47, “That servant which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes."

Hence, the reiterated command to search the Scriptures, John 5:39, to prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good, 1Th 5:21. Those who fear God, who respect the interests of the Church, of the public, of themselves, or of their relatives, must have anticipated the conclusion, that Baptism should be diligently studied. The faithful disciple of Christ must, in Baptism, as in every other branch of ecclesiastical polity, examine, judge, and act for himself. The great mass of our race are the slaves of human authority. In heathen countries, the population is generally heathen — Mahommedan, under the government of the Turk. In some countries, infants are immersed, — in this country they are generally sprinkled. Thus, according to the fashion, men are Papists, or Protestants, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, or Independents. The great majority of men are the creatures of external condition, of fashion, of interest, and similar influences. The Christian has renounced the world; and here, as in other things, he must justify his profession. The law is, “Call no man your father upon earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven," Mat 23:9. “If ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, — after the commandments and doctrines of men?" Col 2:20. In Rev 2:1-29; Rev 3:1-22 how often is it repeated, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches." The design of these Lectures will not be altogether frustrated, if, by their means, any shall be induced to lay aside prejudice, to examine for themselves, and for themselves to decide and act in regard to this important ordinance of Christ. The object of these Discourses is to assist the honest inquirer in his search after truth. When he is in danger of being misled by habit, misrepresentation, or sophistry, he must be apprised of his danger; these habits, misrepresentations, and sophistries must be exposed. Beyond this necessary duty, every thing polemical and controversial, will be avoided. It is with doctrines that the inquirer after truth is concerned. The grand question is — “What saith the Scripture?" Having ascertained this, it ought to be of no moment by whom the doctrine is either taught or received, opposed or rejected.

It is the desire and duty of the speaker to assist the honest and enlightened part of the community in detecting and removing the corruptions of Christianity. This design would be frustrated by the perversion, misrepresentation, or misapplication of any part of Scripture. Inquirers therefore may depend on it, that, according to the grace given, the example of the Apostle will be followed, 2Co 4:1, “Seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." In order to profit by these Lectures, the following hints may be useful: —

1st, Continue in prayer to God for the direction and guidance of the Spirit, Psa 25:12, “What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose." Luk 11:13, “If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"

2d, Whilst any particular topic is under discussion, we should confine our attention to that particular topic. Of that exclusively it will be our interest to think and determine. For instance, the inquiry whether Christians, after believing, ought to be baptized, does not involve the consideration of infant baptism. Again, supposing infant baptism to be commanded, the question whether this should supersede our observance of Baptism after believing, is distinct from both the preceding inquiries.

3d, The inquirer should be on his guard against the effects of remaining corruption and external influence. Many good men (like the first Reformers) have never studied these subjects. Some of approved character and learning have defended corruptions of the truth by arguments which prove only the power of preconceived opinions. In the ordinary affairs of life, the man would be pitied who had the weakness seriously to advance such arguments. The influence of corruption remaining in the mind, is still more to be dreaded. He has little to expect from the assistance of others, who is not continually on his guard against it.

4th, The inquirer must himself read through the New Testament; he must observe all the passages which treat on the subject of Baptism at one, or rather at different readings; he must observe what each passage intimates on the different topics of inquiry. Having finished this process, he must mark the result. If he reads other books (as he probably will) he must act in regard to his books, as a judge or a jury acts in regard to counsel: having heard both sides, they decide for themselves. I said, books besides the New Testament will probably be read; but allow me to say also, that this labor is not absolutely necessary. The Scriptures themselves are sufficient to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished to every good work. But whether other books be perused or not, the inquirer must begin and end with the perusal of the New Testament. The Spirit of God must have the honor, which is exclusively due to himself. The inquirer will find that submission to, and the enjoyment of God are here, as every where the, inseparably connected. Of the reasonings of men, we shall treat in their place; at present, I give only the following cautions: — Never mistake supposition, or mere assertions, for proof. Never act on a proof proposed, but not understood. Never confound the creatures of imagination with the conclusions of reason. Never mistake one subject for another, but distinguish things that differ.