The Baptist headlight., 1893-11-17

tanned in great numbers, but they
are forgotten in a shorter time
than was required to secure them.
Baptlsts lead all other denomi-
nations numerically, but all other
denominations lead Baptists in
real systematic work. Why is
this? Is it because of the defects
in our faith and practice? Nay,
verify not. Is it on account Of i'm
projections on the part of our
church organizations? Not by
any means. Baptists are the only
denomination under the sun that
hold to and contend for the faith
once delivered to the saints. The
Cnly people that follow after the
apostolic model in the organiza-
tion Of local church. The only
class Of Christians that preach
and practice the doctrine Of a re
generated church membership.
The only body of confessed fol-
lowers Of Jesus, that believe in the
apostolic motto: "one Lord, one
faith, and one baptism"
They were the first to adopt the
Independent sovereignty Of the To-
cal church. Hence, the organiza-
tion is all right. The doctrines of
the Baptists are uncontrovertlble,
and their practices i'll the mean
are consistent with their faith. |
shall ever love the Baptist
churches, and ever try to be loyal
to them; because of these old
true and tried principles. But the
difficulty and the thing that tends
to impede Negro Baptist success,
is found just here:
Baptists as a majority, do not
favor systematizing our work, 50
as to secure general cooperation
in favor Of Baptist success.
We can not succeed without Co
operation, and we can not enlist
the cooperation Of the masses Of
our people without adopting some
legitimate, uniform plan of work.
But plans for general work, gen
orally fail to meet the hearty APP
proval Of the Baptist clergy, and
as natural sequence the majority
of the laiety will not extend their
sympathy in its favor; hence our
efforts often prove to be a failure
all along the line.
No denomination can we'll sue
ceed that ignores and scorns its
enterprises. However strong nu-
merically it will be deficient III
general work, and fail to accom-
plish the real good that it other
wise might do. Other denomlna-
tons support their enterprises be
cause they are theirs, operated IN
the interest Of their church or
denomination Baptists indicate
that they are selfish with each
other, selfish toward their enter
prises; and because the Church IS
Independent in its local capacity,
therefore a goodly number 'ot our
churches endeavor to exist lnde-
pendently of their general work.
This practice is contrary to the
Bible, contrary to religion, con
trary to reason, and contrary to
common sense. The Bible de
mands that there be a oneness
among Baptists. We are com
mandcd to speak the same things,
and to be perfectly joined to-
gether in the same mind, and in
the same judgment, and that there
be 10 division among US.
! We should have one general
} plan for work in regard TO home
: and foreign missions; one plan II
, reference to the Church Edihce
, fund; one general plan for raising
the revenue necessary to carry on
r the work Of our denomination,
: and all should be willing and
! ready to come under the one rule
} for the good of our zion
r Now the BAPTIST HEADLIGHT
r comes to you as the organ Of the
denomination. pledged to speak
: at all times and under all circum.
. stances in favor of the denomina-
. ton. Her columns are offered to
: the Baptists Of the state Of Kan
: sas. She promises to be newsy
! instructive and entertaining. She
vows conservation to Christ anc
). the Baptist cause-To give notice
: Of Baptist meetings, district. state
! and national; to give information