BAPTISTS

A denomination of Christians, who deny the validity of infant baptism, and maintain the nece ity of immersion. These were also the principal tenets of the Anabaptists, or Rebaptizers, with whom, however, the modern Baptists ought not to be confounded. They are subdivided into two cla es, the Particular (Calvin ist) and the General (Arm in i an) Baptists. The mode of church government is similar with both, acknowledging three orders of ministers; of whom the me engers correspond to bishops, the elders to priests, and ministering brethren to deacons. Their churches are congregational, and in respect to the election of their own ministers independent. Each denomination has, however, its general a embly, po e ing some kind of authority over the whole community. The Baptists are numerous in Holland, where they are known by the title of Men no nites; and in England they form one of the principal Di enting bodies. 130 [s. 144]