A History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Virginia (Baptist Church History)

by Robert B. Semple

Having thus separated themselves from the established churches, they were denominated Separates. Their church government was entirely upon the plan of the independents, the power being in the hands of the church. They permitted unlearned men to preach, provided they manifested such gifts as indicated future usefulness. They were Pedobaptists in principle, but did not reject any of their members who chose to submit to believers’ baptism.