Required reading
Discussions (Vol 2) by Robert L. Dabney (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude 'The revised book of discipline' (The chapter with the same name as the last).
My summary
This week we finish the second discussion of some of the changes for the book of discipline that were proposed by the committee of the general assembly.
Dabney takes issue with the alterations:
(v) that take away the right of the lower court when appealed from or complained against to a special and separate hearing before the higher court, to which their decision is carried for review; and grant them the right to sit again if members of the higher court, and vote a second time upon the case;
(vi) concerning the discipline of unconverted baptised members of the church.
What grabbed me
As a baptist, the sixth point about the discipline of unconverted baptised members was of great interest.
Dabney even mentioned the criticism of baptists to Presbyterian positions: 'Here we note another surprising assertion : that the bad morals of baptized unbelievers does not scandalize the church, because they do not profess conversion, and therefore need not be remedied by discipline. Let Dr. Thornwell read any of the arguments of Immersionists, and he will change his assertion. Their great, and alas ! with our loose government, their plausible argument against infant baptism is, that it brings the unsanctified world into the church, crowding it with members who live as they list, in all sin and uncleanness, so that the line between church and world is obliterated.'
Yes, yes it does.
Next week's reading
Read 'Christians, pray for your country'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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