TO THE

VENERABLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

IN THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE, R. I.,

This Discourse

IS RESPECTFULLY

DEDICATED.

P R E FACE.

This Discourse is placed in form for preserva

tion at the request of the bodies before whom it

was delivered. Prepared for delivery at the An

niversary of the Newton Theological Institution,

it is printed as spoken at that time. The histori

cal importance of some of the subjects discussed

in the Notes, will justify, it is believed, the extended space which they occupy. The Confes

sions of 1643 and of 1689 are inserted, because,

though absolutely essential to the knowledge of

Baptist doctrinal history, they are to most read

ers now inaccessible.

The pages here given to

the públic are partial fruits of studies pursued

through many years by the writer, and he will

before

us,

and contribute, by the blessing of God,

to restore somewhat of their superior efficiency

in promoting the kingdom of our Lord, and the

A. -- THE ALLEGED SELF-BAPTISM OF JOHN SMITH,

57

B. -THE HISTORICAL BAPTISM OF THE ENGLISH PEOPLE,

61

C.-CREED-STATEMENTS IN THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION,

85

D. -"BAPTISTS," .

107

APPENDIX II.

CONFESSIONS AND DISCIPLINE.

I. -THE CONFESSION OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES, 1643,

113

II. - THE CONFESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF 1689, CALLED IN AMERICA