Sample of Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
OF THE
REGULAR BAPTISTS
Stated and Defended
By James H. Oliphant
PARTICULAR BAPTIST
HERITAGE BOOKS
Knightstown, Indiana

Principles and Practices of the
Regular Baptists Stated and Defended
By: Elder James H. Oliphant
Originally Published: 1883
First PBHB Edition 2022
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2. Baptists – Early United States – History
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PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
OF THE
REGULAR BAPTISTS
STATED AND DEFENDED.
TO WHICH IS ADDED A FEW PAGES OF ADVICE TO
CHILDREN.
―――――――――
By ELDER JAS. H. OLIPHANT
MEMBER AND PASTOR OF UNION CHURCH OF REGULAR BAPTISTS,
BUENA VISTA, MONROE COUNTY, INDIANA
―――――――――
INDIANAPOLIS:
BAKER 7 RANDOLPH, PRINTERS,
1883.

Index
PREFACE ......................................................................................... xi
CHAPTER 1 ― The Providence of God ...................................... 1
CHAPTER 2 ― The Doctrine of Total Depravity
Vindicated ........................................................ 11
CHAPTER 3 ― The Will of Men in Nature Shown to be
Against God ..................................................... 24
CHAPTER 4 ― The Doctrine of Election and
Predestination Considered ............................. 36
CHAPTER 5 ― The Atonement .................................................. 55
CHAPTER 6 ― Various Covenants Made by God
with Men Considered ..................................... 70
CHAPTER 7 ― God the Author of Faith ................................... 87
CHAPTER 8 ― Sanctification; by Elder P. T. Oliphant ........... 97
CHAPTER 9 ― Of Good Works .............................................. 109
CHAPTER 10 ― Fellowship; the 18 th Chapter of
Matthew Considered .................................... 118
CHAPTER 11 ― The Doctrine of the Call to
Ministry Proven ............................................ 133
CHAPTER 12 ― Of the Nature of the Call, with
the Author’s Experience ............................. 142
CHAPTER 13 ― The Duty of Churches to
Their Minister ............................................... 151
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Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists
CHAPTER 14 ― Immersion Proven to be the
Only Gospel Baptism ................................ 162
CHAPTER 15 ― Adult Believers Alone are Proper
Subjects for Baptism .................................. 173
CHAPTER 16 ― The Design of Baptism Considered ........... 187
CHAPTER 17 ― The Lord’s Supper ........................................ 176
CHAPTER 17 ― The Deacon and His Duties, with
the Manner of His Ordination ................. 196
CHAPTER 19 ― The Ordination of an Elder; by
Elder E. D. Thomas, of
Danville, Ind ............................................... 220
CHAPTER 20 ― The Doctrine of the Resurrection
Proven; by Elder J. T. Oliphant,
of Fort Branch, Ind .................................... 229
CHAPTER 21 ― Thoughts of Death and Heaven ................. 238
CHAPTER 22 ― Church Organization; by Elder E. D.
Thomas, Danville, Ind ............................... 251
CHAPTER 23 ― The Atonement; by Elder J. W.
Richason of Petersburg, Pike Co. Ind ..... 258
CHAPTER 24 ― Advice to Children ........................................ 264
x

PREFACE
In presenting this work to the public I feel fully sensible of
its many imperfections. Everything that comes from human
hands bears the clear evidence of the weakness of its author.
But while this is true, we should be willing to do what we can
to disseminate truth, though in so doing we expose our
weakness and imperfections. Those who write for the press are
liable to be actuated by a spirit of “vain glory,” which I have
often thought of while writing these pages, and have earnestly
sought to be freed from such a temper. It has been my earnest
desire to advance the cause of truth and point the reader to the
real truths of the gospel, and thus be a blessing to the dear
cause of our blessed Redeemer, whose, as I trust, I am, and of
whom I desire to be a servant.
Life is but a span, and when we have done with that our
opportunity to present the precious truths that relate to our
eternal salvation will be over, so far as our personal labors are
concerned. I feel that this thought has in some measure urged
me to write these pages, knowing that when I have done with
time they shall still speak for me; and, although they may be
very imperfect, yet I feel sure that I have been enabled to
present some very precious truths in these pages.
And with my whole heart, warm with love, I desire to thank
the Lord that I have ever seen and known his truth, for sure I
am that God is the great teacher of the human heart. I have
felt very grateful for the kind manner in which the brethren
have received my little book on the “Final Perseverance of the
Saints.” I trust its cordial reception has not filled me with self
esteem, but with humble gratitude to God that one so sinful, so
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Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists
corrupt, and unworthy as I should be so highly favored as to
be enabled to comfort any of the dear redeemed family of God.
I pray God’s blessing to attend these pages, and bless them to
the good of his people.
I wish you, dear reader, to peruse this book with a feeling of
charity to its author, and with a sincere willingness to receive
the truth and be governed by it. What a stupendous thought
that we are under the government of God, that we, who love
God, are required to keep his commandments. Angels above
adore the Lamb of God – Heb. 1. All power in the illimitable
universe is in his hands, and He claims our obedience. With
what anxiety should we search for truth, both in doctrine and
practice, and when we have found it how carefully should we
walk in it. I have been cheered by the good news that I have
received from all parts of our Zion within the past year, and
have felt hopeful that God would bless us with clear evidences
of his general presence among us to establish and confirm his
people in their most holy faith.
With a fervent prayer for Zion, I subscribe myself yours, dear
reader, in gospel bonds.
JAMES H. OLIPHANT,
Buena Vista, Monroe Co. INd.
August 28, 1883
I have felt anxious to aid in inculcating good habits and
sound principles among our children, and for this reason I
have added a few pages of advice for children, which I hope
will be a benefit to someone.
J.H.O.
xii

CHAPTER 1
The Providence of God
By the providence of God we understand is meant the care
he has of all his creation in heaven and earth; his control of the
starry heavens and all the elements of nature in this world ―
the vegetable and animal kingdoms. But more particularly the
care and notice that he takes of men in general, of kings and
kingdoms, of nations and of individuals from the highest to
the lowest, from the richest to the poorest, from the wisest to
the most ignorant. And most particularly the constant watchcare
he has of all his saints, not only with respect to their
eternal state, but also with respect to their respective lots and
conditions in this world.
In order to understand this important subject, or, I might
say, any other subject respecting religion, aright, it is necessary
to consider first what God is, and what are his attributes. He
“is a spirit,” and the scriptures teach that he is everywhere.
That he is in every place is a sublime thought, hard for us to
comprehend and yet plainly taught.
On this, the language of David is: “If I ascend up into heaven
thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there;
if I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost
parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right
hand hold me if I say surely darkness shall cover me, even the
night shall be light about thee.” There is no going out of his
presence by land or by sea, by day or night, in heaven, earth or
hell. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil
and the good.” “There is no darkness nor shadow of death
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Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.”
From these passages it is evident that there is no point in the
universe but what God is there. Paul says “in him we live and
move and have our being.” As the fish in his native element is
surrounded on all sides with water, so we are surrounded with
Deity. As the air pervades and fills space and surrounds every
insect, so God is about us. While he is in heaven the object of
all praise, he is “not far from everyone of us.” It is a fearful
thought that God is always with me beholding my evil as well
as good thoughts, in the darkness of the night as well as by day.
He never sleeps nor slumbers. There is not a human that is
hid from him. “He beholdeth all the sons of men.” “He
looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” He is not only
everywhere, but he is everywhere knowing. “He is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of our hearts.” David tells us, “His
understanding is infinite.” So that from the lowest reptile or
insect or worm or atom to the highest angel in heaven, he has
a perfect knowledge of all; he needs no information as to what
is in man or anything else. The Savior taught this idea with
reference to the sparrow: “It shall not fall without our
Heavenly Father.” “The very hairs of your head are
numbered.”
But if God were everywhere a silent and inactive spectator, a
bare observer of things, his presence among us would be an
unimportant thing. But if he governs seasons and times, if he
sends rain and dew, and cold and heat; if he decides the battle
and controls nations, and fixes our time and lot, and stay on
earth; if he be a father to the fatherless, a husband to the
widow, a defense for his people and a covert to them from
every storm, tempest, and trial; in a word, if he is everywhere
and knows everything, to control, direct and manage it, then
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Ch. 1 The Providence of God
the doctrine of his omnipresence and omniscience is calculated
to comfort his people and strike terror to his enemies.
Were the saints of God casting their ballots for one to take
the helm of that great ship called nature, or were they choosing
one to preside over all the concerns of this world and bring them to
an issue, honoring to God and safe to them, everyone would
say, “Jesus, let all power in heaven and earth be given to him,
let him have power over all flesh that he may the more
effectually be the Savior of his people.” “Bring forth the royal
diadem and crown him Lord of all.”
We believe that God does rule in everything and in all places.
“He sends his rain upon the just and the unjust.” This
expression implies more than that of permitting it to rain. In
speaking of the clouds Job says: “It is turned round about by
his counsels that they may do whatsoever he commandeth
them upon the face of the world in the earth.” “He causeth it
to come, whether for correction or for his land or for mercy.”
The rain, therefore, does not fall in obedience to a mere blind
law of nature. If the cloud arises it is because the Lord “turns
it round about by his counsels.” If one says it is natural for it
to rain, we answer that God is the author of nature, and in this
case nature is but his “check lines” by which he conducts these
affairs.
The snow, rain, wind, hail, frost, lightning, all are mentioned
in the bible as being under him as servants. “Hast thou entered
into the treasures of snow, or hast thou seen the treasures of
the hail?” “He scattereth the hoar frost like ashes.” “He
causeth the wind to blow and the waters flow.” “God
thundereth marvelously with his voice; great things doeth he
which we cannot comprehend.” “He causeth vapors to ascend
from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain and
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Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists
bringeth forth his wind out of his treasures.” All this shows
that God is not a silent, disinterested spectator in these great
affairs, but that he is the great, active and wise agent who
personally manages and directs.
In mercy he sends the rain, and for correction he withholds
it. He supplies the sources of all rivers, visits every herb with
moisture, quenches the thirst of every animal. He rides on
every storm, directs the scythe winged lighting, whether it burst
the oak or destroy the city. His hands give down the gentle dew
or small rain, or drenching, destructive deluge, or pelting hail.
He is in the snow storm and hail storm.
Zech. 10:1: “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter
rain. So the Lord shall make bright clouds and give them rain,
to everyone grass in his field.” Here we are taught to pray for
rain, and if these things were not under his immediate or direct
control we need not ask for rain. God has made promise that
seed time and harvest shall not fail. Hence the seasons are in
his hands. I do not doubt but that the great law of the universe
produces the change of seasons, but he made that law.
Droughts and famines are, therefore, not accidents, nor does
the refreshing showers come by chance; let us, therefore, never
murmur at the weather nor be alarmed. Thousands of years
have fled and gone, and yet the inhabitants of the earth are fed.
The providence of God provides for the beasts and fowls.
Psalm 147:9: “He giveth to the beast his food and to the young
ravens when they cry.” Job 38:41: “Who provideth for the
raven his food when the young ones cry unto the Lord,” etc.
The Savior refers to the lily, the grass, the sparrow, and the
very hairs of our heads, as receiving the care of the Lord. How
wonderful are the ways and works of God. In the eternal march
of the planets and in the everlasting succession of seasons, and
4

Ch. 1 The Providence of God
seed time and harvest, the hand of God is plainly manifest, but
the same hand provides for the raven and sparrow and grass
and every green tree and living thing. The bible teaches us to
ascribe things to God that are daily occurring around us.
Psalm 90:7: “He is our God and we are the people of his
pasture and sheep of his hand.” As a shepherd has the
oversight of his flock, so the Lord has the care of all men, for
“He is the Savior of all men” temporally. The wicked are kept
by his hand; the very life they employ, in rebellion against him,
is kept by him. Think, dear reader, that he prolongs your being
and gives you all things to enjoy. These thoughts may justly
alarm the ungodly, but they should truly comfort the saint.
He also reigns among men. “The Lord most high is terrible;
he is a great king over all the earth.” “God reigneth over the
heathen.” “God is king of all the earth.” The devil is called the
“God of this world,” and yet God is “King of all the earth.” In
the rise and fall of nations the hand of God is directing.
Though we may not be able to understand how, yet the bible
teaches that God governs in these things. Although Hazael was
a wicked king, yet the Lord raised him up upon the throne.
This the Lord did for a reproof of his people for their sins ―
2 nd Kings 8 and 20.
See also Dan. 4:17: “To the intent that the living may know
that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men and giveth it
to whomsoever he will,” and “sitteth up over it the basest of
men.” This is undoubtedly proof that God fixes the crown on
whatever head he will, even upon the wickedest of men. Dan.
4:32 “Until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the
kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” Again:
“And he doeth according to his will in the armies of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his
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Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists
hands or say unto him what doest thou.” See also Dan. 5:21
and 4:25.
There are many places that show that God decides political
questions and governs in national affairs. It is difficult to see
how that it is God’s will for the wicked to rule and bad laws to
be placed on the statute book. Ezek. 20:25: “Wherefore I gave
them statues that were not good,” etc., but it is certain that
while wicked rulers are ruling, that the purposes of God with
them and their subjects are being carried out. It is a stupendous
thought that the Almighty God gives shape to the political
world and directs the steps of men.
The wonderful providence of God preserves his people and
directs the course of the various events of this life to their
good. Hence we read: “All things shall work together for good
to them that love God,” etc. “Man deviseth his own way but
the Lord directs his steps.” “It is not in man that walketh to
direct his steps,” etc. The history of Joseph is a clear exhibition
of this doctrine. God was in the whole affair, from his first
dream to the final deliverance of the famishing family of Jacob.
Pharaoh is a clear example of God’s reigning providence over
the events of life. The purposes of God and the evil of men
met in these things. Joseph’s brethren meant evil in their sale
of Joseph, but God meant it for Good. They unwittingly and
sinfully carried out the purposes of God. So Pharaoh, though
he was a wicked ruler, yet his conduct was a means of
publishing the name of the Lord throughout the earth ―
Rom. 9:16.
The whole history of the Jewish nation witnesses the
overruling power of God in the affairs of men. It is easy for us
to believe that God cares for the great planets of the skies, the
tall angels at his feet, but not so easy to understand that he
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Ch. 1 The Providence of God
cares for the “sparrow,” the “hairs of our head,” and the small
insect crawling at our feet. There is no dividing line between
the doctrine of his universal providence and infidelity. He
molds and directs the planets, and he guides the dusts in the
storm. It is a comforting thought to God’s people that the Lord
reigns in all things; that he measures to us our affliction. It is
blessed “concerning everything to cry my Father’s will be
done.”
In Rom. 1:20 we are taught to know the greatness of God by
his creation; one said “the universe is God,” but here we are
taught that the universe is a creature. We see the wisdom,
power and goodness of God in creation. The amazing wonders
of heaven are the fruits of his perfection, but his hand is equally
manifest among men.
Our Savior says: “And why take ye thought for raiment;
consider the lilies of the field how they grow, they toil not,
neither do they spin.” “Behold the fowls of the air, for they
sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns, yet your
Heavenly Father feedeth them; are ye not much better than
they?” “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field
which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, Shall he not
much more clothe you, oh ye of little faith?” The special
providence of God over his people is here taught. We are to
feel that he is ever with us, and that all the events of life,
however dismal, shall work ultimately for the best. Jacob felt
that God had bestowed wealth upon him, and was made
humble by it; his words were: “I am not worthy of the least of
thy mercies, for with my staff I passed over this Jordan and am
now become two bands.”
If our worldly business is prosperous we are to remember
that God is directing all. We are not to use this doctrine
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Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists
unlawfully. Some have abused the doctrine of grace by urging
that we may live in sin if it be of grace, and so the devil
suggested to Christ that he should cast himself down from the
pinnacle of the temple, “for God hath given his angels charge
concerning thee lest at any time thou shouldest dash thy foot
against a stone.” Here the devil suggested a wicked use of the
doctrine, but Christ replied, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord
thy God,” as much as to say, “I know the doctrine you present
is true, but you are endeavoring to make a bad use of it.”
So while we recognize the universality of God’s providence
in the care of his people, and know that he is the “Savior of all
men, but especially of his people,” yet we must not make an
unlawful use of the doctrine. To rush foolishly into danger is
to make an unlawful use of the doctrine, but when we are by
duty called into danger we may place our feet upon this solid
rock and feel courageous in the midst of the most dreadful
contagions, or the roar of battle. We may feel that God cares
for us, and sing with Hart:
“The shafts of death around me fly,
Till Jesus will I cannot die.”
It was the belief of these sentiments that caused the Apostle
to say: “All things shall work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to his
purpose.”
It should not be used as a license to laziness or neglect, but
should be used as a check to our pride in prosperity. We should
remember that if we are advanced in life that we are favored of
God; it should produce humility. David was humbled before
God when he was advanced to the throne of Israel. Jacob was
greatly humbled before God when he recounted his wealth, for
8

Ch. 1 The Providence of God
he felt that he had it from God. And so we should, if we are
blessed, ever remember that it should produce humility.
How often do we see wealth and prosperity fatten pride and
starve humility. We should know that it is a sad state of things
if we are made proud and high minded by the mercies of God;
they should humble us. If we are made honorable among men,
or if we are blessed with a degree of usefulness above others,
these things should bring us to the feet of the Lord in
thanksgiving and humility. But wealth and worldly honor are
not always best for us. Sometimes God sees and knows that
adversity is best for his people ― the furnace purifies the gold,
and so afflictions sometimes remove our pride and undue
attachments to this world.
Therefore this doctrine is encouraging to God’s people
amidst affliction of every kind. David says: “Before I was
afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept thy word.” “It is
good for me that I might learn thy statutes.” Psalm 119:67-71
and in verse 75: “I know, oh Lord, that thy judgments are right,
and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.” Here he
ascribes his afflictions to God, and feels that they are good for
him. See 2 Cor. 1:4-7.
In James 1:1-12, we find it is good to have our plans crossed,
our objects defeated, as it tends to fix our minds to eternal
things. Oh, how much better to be tried and made to suffer
here than to be left proud and haughty? When you see others
made proud by prosperity and filled with the vanities of sin,
you should be glad that you are so highly favored of God as to
be kept humble. Our sins are our worst enemies; in curing
these a severe treatment is often necessary; the amputating
knife is often used to remove a diseased member, which alone
will preserve the life of the patient; marines often cast valuables
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Principles and Practices of the Regular Baptists
into the sea to save the vessel, and so God often removes from
us our idols that we may be saved from sinking in the whirlpool
of pride.
How often have we prayed for humble hearts, that God
would make and keep us humble. This end is often best
accomplished by the rod of affliction. The rich man lifted up
his eyes in hell, while Lazarus was conveyed to Abraham’s
bosom. Only see how different their states after death. The
apostles were conveyed to heaven from scenes of martyrdom,
while many have left high places on earth for low ones in hell.
It is far better to have our sins curbed by adversity while we
stay here than to have them run headlong with us to hell.
Therefore, oh man of affliction, you may have reason to kiss
your disease or affliction, you may have reason to praise and
adore the Lord for his cross providence that now fills your
body with pain or your heart with disappointment. Oh,
Christian, you may sing with Kent:
“’Tis well when joys arise; ‘tis well when sorrows flow;
‘Tis well when darkness veils the skies
and strong temptations blow.”
Your blessed God is in every affliction and in every trial. You
may not see his hand, but it is there, as much so as when your
soul is made to rejoice. Let us so trust him as to obey him in
all things. We are
“In every state secure,
Kept by Jehovah’s eye;
‘Tis well with us while life endures
And well when called to die.”
May a sweet sense of his everlasting presence heighten your
joys and brighten your darkest nights of affliction, is my prayer.
10

CHAPTER 2
The Doctrine of Total Depravity Vindicated
The nature, extent and degree of human depravity is a subject of
the first importance. We cannot have a correct understanding
of the remedy unless we fully understand the disease. No effort
is necessary to prove that sin exists among us, but the power
that it possesses to control men and women, the deep-seated
hold it has in the human heart and affections, are what but few
understand. For one to know the real evil of his own heart is
sure to be attended with humility and distrust of self.
Our first parent was made in the image of God ― Gen. 1:26,
but “by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin,
so death is passed upon all men, for that all have sinned ―
Rom. 5:12. I suppose the one man here referred to is Adam.
He was made in God’s image (morally), but we are informed
that he sinned and death was the result of that sin, not only
death to himself but death “is passed upon all men for that all
have sinned.” In some way his sin affects us all. By reading
Romans 5:15-19, it will be plain to you that all the long race of
Adam was involved in his guilt and made subject to death by
it. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made
sinners.” Here the disobedience of one had the effect to make
many (persons) sinners.
This is a deep subject and much controverted. The justice of
God in entailing upon the unborn millions of Adam’s posterity
the fatal results of his sin may not appear clear to all, but there