6. After this a charge should be delivered to the settled minister, Col. iv. 19. [sic.] and
his church; and then, prayer, singing, and a benediction, will close the service.
7. The transactions of the day, and particularly the terms of agreement between the settled
minister and the church, should be entered at large on the records of the church.
8. Some may say, that so much formality in the business, with witnesses, is unnecessary, and
that a private agreement between the parties is sufficient. But as a public form of marriage
is indispensable; so the above is expedient and useful, as might be shewn were it necessary.
By Samuel Jones, 1805
5. In settling a minister, having appointed a time and place, and invited a council from one
or two of the neighbouring churches to assist, and to witness the transaction, one of the
ministers, after praying and singing should preach a suitable sermon. Then he, or another of
the council, is to put such questions to the minister to be settled, and to the representative
of the church appointed for that purpose, as will draw from each of them promises to fulfil
their respective parts of the covenant and agreement between them, upon which he pronounces
him, in the presence of God and of the whole assembly, to be the pastor and overseer of that
church, and said church to be his flock and charge. Then the settled minister and
representative of the church give each other the right hand of fellowship, with expressions
of mutual joy and congratulation.
Based on my personal observations, black Baptist churches in East Texas follow this practice (at
least generally, if not exactly) and white Baptist churches in East Texas do not.
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