Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-03-12
DANVILLE BAPTIST CONGRESS.
Yesterdays DiscussiOns-Rcmarks of
DIR. Thomas and Others.
/ special telegram TO The Dispatch. J

Especial telegram 10 the Dispatch.I
DANVILLE. Va, March 1.-THE
Congress met at 10 o'clock-ProfeSsor
Cooke in the chair. The first subject
for discussion was " Points of Agree
ment and Difference as to the Lords
Supper Between Baptists and Other
Christians" DR.. w. ID. Thomas, Of
Richmond, was the first speaker. He
began by saying there is too great a
disposition to discuss UNCONVENTIONAL
doctrine tending to lead people from the
truth as it is in Jesus. Baptists
held many things III common with
other denominations. They are some
times supposed to differ from others on
many points where they really agree
with them. BaptiSts agree with others
that the Lords Supper is an ordinance
Of perpetual obligation; that the Sup
per is a scripturally-prescrbed exter-
nal act that the act is essential to the
ordinance, but that the ordinance is I'M
ayailing without the influence of the
Spirit. Baptists agree that the Lords
Supper is to be repeatedly observed /;
that some qualification is necessary on
the part of the recipient, and. also as to
the qualification required. All de-
nominations require a profession Of
faith. Some require only the reye-
rental spirit, and others only certain
degree of religious instruction, and that
one assume for himself ertain vows made
for him by others. In addition to these
spiritual qualifications Baptists agree
with others that persons must be bap.
TIED before partsking. Baptists differ
as to what constitutes baptism, but
agree that baptism Is necessary. Bap-
tism is the putting on of Christ not in
spirit but in ordinance. The Lord S
Supper symbolizes continued fellowship
with Christ. Each ordinance represents
the same truth, but in its different re-
latiors. Baptism symbolizes entrance
upon a new life the Lords Supper
continuance therein. Therefore, bap-
tism is observed but once, while
communion is observed repeatedly. To
reverse this order of things is to con-
found and to confuse the real point oil
difference between the Baptists and
other denominations. Concerning the
nature and functions Of the ordinance
all agree that the ordinance is symbolic.
though differing in what it symbolizes
All agree that the ordinance is in part
a means of grace.
The doctrine of transubstantiatior
and its various modified forms were
touched on. The Baptists believe thai
the elements are merely signs, memo.
rials, confessions, and nothing more
The eating and drinking is wholly in.
operative without the spirit. There i:
one theory that religion is begun. con.
tinued, and ended in this simple act,
while Baptists believe it is simply an
act by which the Christian declares that
he has voluntarily sought and obtained
reconciliation with God. Some denomi-
nations make the Lords Supper a
priestly order. Others consider it a
social feast in which Christians
Of all creeds may participate. The
Baptists believe that this ordinance
is only to be observed when disciples
come together as a church. On this
point they have been greatly misunder-
stood, and hard things have been said.
They do not deny that brotherly love
should continue. They love Chris
tian fellowship. They have been CEN
sured, but still they are patient and
loDg.sufering. In spite Of criticism