J
1 c
J
Li
tjHOmS IT. TO LET, EJIlcr. )
Dcuotcb to iUligion, iijorcilitn, itcriturc, svitultuVc mtb (0cncral:5mclligcntc.
i .
RALEIGH; i; C FRIDAY; MARCH 5, 1852.
WHOLE m. 103-5:
ff:
i.
C rN.
Id)
-Ue Jzl . J CL s J O ' '
fox tub Texkessee Baptist. -
riant- mtotmamcnt ! !
fijat (Text found at last! (??)
M)t )txcb (Question sct-
far liberal offer of $ 1 ,000, has at length at
the attention of the leaders of Pedobap-
ia huh places, as it has for sometimes the 4
l . Minp.rs. tiut'rs anil lrmnnnnfa
sjruiera, -j ---- .
. Aft Southwest
wished the attention of the public for onco
n4 to, and fixod npou the fact th at God's
ori furnishes no shadow of a," warrant for the
of infant baptism.'; . .
aCJotnpWsh tuls we offered tha reward, and
luUl tie desired effect. . ': . -.
Could we have had our choice, of all the men
4 west or south, Dr. Rice, editor of the
"rjterian of the VV est," wou'd have been
netoice, because, since $h debate with " A.
snipbeil, he has been looked upon as the The
cal champion of Pedobaptism and Dr.
ice h as it last stepped forth to wipe from Pe
for&m the 'reproach it has suffered from al
f jag this reward to remain unaccepted for two
ree years. , -y. . . ' ' :
ja ens thing he is . worthy ofvpraise. -While
jnjof his editorial brethren have met the Pre
xx with jeo.rs, abuse, and ; ridicule, Dr. "R.
its it with a respectful consideration." ; .
In Us first notice he declared that he had the
oof text but, did not wish themoncy.
He was immediately called; upon by a large
of tie Baptist press to favor them with the
iin positive., proof, upon which he rested the
jctice. ., .. : - ..- :
To thishe at last consented, and lias" furnisb
; the" thousands of-Jiis own readers and the
,rld, with what he considers the vaoiX .positive
tl declare text for infant baptism in the Word
God. .
There are several considerations which invest
5 irticlo with more thrilling interest and
right? consideration than any publication made
irin the present century. '. . .
1. Pedobaptists have been unwilling to come
direct issue upon tho positive scripture tes
nony for thepractice in 'question, when the
iblie attention was called to it they have stay-
of the decision, by evasion, and resorted to
r-fetched inferences and analogies ; but in this
stance the issue has been fairly and directly
et, and consequently, if it has resulted in a
2m to produce satisfatory scripture authority,
edobaptists, if conscientious in their profession
rejecting tradition, and taking the Bible alone,
i faith and practice, must repudiate the dogma
; infant baptism! as a vestige of Popery. 7
2, Oar second ,reason for the above declara-
mirrhaiirbvsdrnlit. .My all thatiDr.4
ice is able to titjd tha Scripture precept or ex
nple for the practice, if any Pedobaptist in
t Union or Universe is. - , - ;
3. It will also 'be admitted that if Dr. , Rice
odd engage to do it, he would give the stron-
a ml most decisive proof texts the Scriptures
ibrd, the strongest and most reliable , known
toe reuobaptiat world since a failure or un
i!isfactory ones would decidedly and so mate
injure, his cause injure it far more tnan
bee. , , . .-, .
IDr. Rice has consented to the proof, and
lirefore we. must conclude the Scriptures he
skits to our criticism are the clearest and
lost 'decisive known to him or Pedobaptists-
na it ; they, are decided , unsat isfactory by . the
'arid, the question must be settled in their
:ads and if they are pronounced wholly irre-
srant possessing na proof for-the" practice, but
wer agaiast it, by the most eminent Pedobap
'& Theologians themselves, then we have a rea-
raahle right to conclude that all pious and con-
nentious Pedobaptists, Cunless they can fiud
i, will renounce the practice or cease to claim
wine origin for it. Therefore, we conclude
uttDis article of Dr. Rice, if pressed, upon the
Nation of the nubile, will do more to settle
tatexed question than all the publications of
any years..- .- i : .
VS ithv these reflections, we submit the clearest
precepts for infant baptism known , to Dr. Rice,
e JPedobaptist world :
"recepts forBaftizisg Infants.- Some
ae since the editor of the Tennessee Baptist
a reward of 1000 for a precept or exam
Piathe Mew Testament sustaining infant bail-
'a. We said, W3 are prepared to. furnish the
Fept, though we have no desire for the editor's
l5c7- Two Baptist papers call for the pre-
yf v e wui turmsli two. 1 he first 13 found
J Math. 19 1 14, "But Jesus said, suffer little
fwen,and forbid them not to cotno unto me:
rf m sncn is the kingdom of heaven.' The
Pof Cflrist under the new dispensation, or
wti it apust commentator, expresses It
C GoSDel chnrli-ct!it Tfio
hy those little children should be brousht to
paper exclaim. We assure them wo nre not
playing off , a hoax upon them, they are indeed
the texts -the, very best the Dr.'s research can
discover and judgment approve. -
They are very old, aud have ' been answered
and demonstrated to have no bearing upon and
afford no authority or even pretext for infaut bap.
tisra, by both Baptists and Pedobaptists, as to
deprive an examination of them of all interest,
unless that with , which a presentation of them
under these circumstances may invest them, i
What is a fair and impartial exposition of the
Matt. 19 : 13-16? : : s . -
LUtle . children wero brought unto him.' The
defmito bbject for which Ihey were brought ; is
stated, "that he would put his hands on them
and pray." Was thero anjthing peculiar in
this occarrence? .Kot the least, H was -the
cu;tjm of tLa Orientals to crave" the blessing and
prayers of- those they esteemed holy men, or
prophets for their children., as christian narents
do now the' prayers of piou3 ministers." Christ
was esteemed a notable .prophet, a teacher sent
froni .God, and his ; prayers wero solicited for
these children. : - -
is the kinajdom of hea
is certain.
13
. tis, that of such is His church, or to such
g the privileges of His church. Is baptism
-'t into that church ? Is it one of the pri-
"S 0! those Who hara the. rio-Tit tn Ptifpr it ?
to diT? aPtm required to be administered
8ac& as these. Supposing the prim
or 1,?? We called the kingdom of heaven
could it lhapiist in . ts faith ; how
J.. h? churebspf : Christ, it
ft V V? Part oft children, but the Bap
ch is not so composed. V
KGo tnd text k founi in Matthew 23 : 19
"Pre,- and teach all liions (or dis
erf, uai,L1uo " ie name of
Ghost T T and b the Son and of Holy
till 'Here is the command to baptize, as
!03 ta ach. It is "a precept to baptize
I' Itber adults nor infants are men
Val1 Dations. It is evidently a pre
, 4idS Ptu? bo a right to member-
c - we cnurcn Of Christ. Whn Aa ra
That
ie
. Present ',. :r , V
13 o .settled from other parts of the
Nyl;;!! bJ passage al
' t- er Phages. Her
V.?! requires the children of hv,L
. is . ' 7 V. . y.wv passages. Here,
ursceni which in. . i .. ,.r
f ' ' 1 Deen E0 c--erstood bv fortv
ff tbecbri3tian world
tare ventured, b modern limes
What possible bearing has this text upon bap
tism ? ! Baptism is not asked foris not men
tioned or hinted at in the whole connection
Jesus did : precisely what he was asked to da
nothing mora. u He laid his hands on them and
departed. -; . , :
- But how much, to prove, that up" to this
time, that no infants had been baptized and
that not the least intimation had fallen from the
Saviour's lips, . upon the ears of his disciples,
that infants ought to bo baptized that the church
of Christ and the old Jewish commonwealth were
identical institutions baptism coming in the
room of circumcision, and consequently the in
fants of believers entitled to the rite, not one
word of it and yet how appropriate a place
and time to have taught it to the offanded disciples.-
. ,v-a-,-;.;. ;:-,iV.-----
If Jesus had appointed infant baptism, and
had baptized prior to this occurrence, why were
his disciples offended why did they rebuke these
devout , oaes in the discharge of their religious
duties ? I Does Dr. Rice,- or do Pedobaotist
ministers rebuke pious parents now for bringing
their infant seed to Holy baptism ?! V
All will must admit if Jesus had been wont,
by his diseiples to baptize infants, or bad taught
the propristj-of jhe rite, the disciples would not
nave reouKea mese i io one win say ue Bap
tized these, and therefore the passage most
CUE ABLY DISFAVORS THE DOCTRINE J ! : :
l"he Saviour was accustomed to teach impor
tant lessons from almost eery circumstance,
and did not let this pass. These little children
were around him he loved their presence, and
as every person of tender and benevolent disposi
tion does Suffer , them to come, and forbid
hem not," said he, and now for the illustratin
the lesson, 44 for; of sucb is the kingdom of heav
en." tie declares airreat truth tuat ail
members of his 44 kingdom were to be not such,
but 44 of such." We ask of such1? m what re
spect ? In ; respect " to age ? Then was the
questioned asked by INicodemus extremely per-
tment. iso adult could Decome a memDer
without a second natural birth III But if it
means, they .must possess some of the character
istics of little ,children, "such as humility, meek
ness, truthfulness, ddhuonce, teachableness,
docility, &.c, then.can it be predicated of all the
genuine followers of Christ and members of his
kingdom.
The Scriptufo is the best commentary upon
the Scriptures. Had Matthew given Christ's
explanation as given by Luke, Dr. Rice would
never have produced the text. Turn to Luke
IS: 16, 41 But Jesus said suffer little children
to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of
such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto
you, whosoever shall" not receive the Kingdom
of God as a little child, shall in no wise enter
therein."
Does aDy one ask, what is meant by receiving
the kingdom as a little child, let him read the
words of , the Saviour, Matt. 18:3, Verily I
say unto you, except ye be converted and become
as little children, ve shall not enter into the
kingdom of heaven." v . r ' "
Reason as well as the Saviour himself, fur
nishes this exegesis of the passage , which s goes
decidedly against all idea of infant baptism being
or involved in it, or to be inferred from it. I bis
will; still be, ; as it has been the verdict of the
candid million.-.-.-
We will now turn to the decisions of Pedo
baptists and Presbyterians themselves. '. ;i
The verdict of the most eminent Pedopaptist
commentators and scholars has ever been against
the , construction of this passage to, favor infant
baptism. We give the following, ana win give
a score of others, if Dr. Rice will call for them.
Olshausei?. 4 For entering into the king
dom of God. therij is enioined the child-like feel
ing which ' enables us most easily to discern the
ifts which have been bestowed upon each, and
consequently puts us Jan circumstances to fulfil
our callinir. ' .
Of that reference tb'infant baptism which is
EO'commoir to seek in this narrative," THERE
IS CLEARLY NOT THE SLIGHTEST
TRACE to BE FOUND ! !" Notes on the
passage. X , -. . .--
Is not this a frank and honest comment ? Bu
Tit. HieA. or his friends, may ask yrho is this
writer ? ' " ' . :'r '
Kitto, in hi3 Cyclopedia, says ef him : "The
r.Pt PTamnla of commentary on the New.Testa-
ment with which we are acquainted, ha3 been
given by this writer. It is a mode of exposition
unrivalled in anv lansruasre.
He investigates the thoughttraces the con
nection. nut himself in the same position as the
writers, and vifiwa with nhilOSODlllO aDlllCV, me
, r - r . ' .
holy revolution of Christ m their eomprehen
sive tendencies."
" What does this u unrivalled commentor" fur
ther say, touching infant baptism ? After asser
ting that Christian baptism symbolical of a new
birth, and tberelore baptism necessarily presup
poses faith, he adds :
44 By the introducing of Pedobaptism the no
sition which the ordinance occupied is changed
PiEDOBAPTISM IS NOT APOSTOLIC
FOR CERTAIN ! 1" Notes on 'Matt. .88: 16
squired iu introduction, .: But in this ' way
Christian baptism sank down- to the position as
it were of John's baptism, and it acquired its full
sigmCcanco, only when it was s connected' with
confirmation. And as baptism, so also the church
had fallen back to a position of legality, of which
the clear consciousness first appeared at the Re
formation, and then" also tho effort was raadf
to return to the primitive . Christian model.;
Notes on acts 10 ; 14. 15. , . , '
Prof. J, Mueller a . distinguished, living Vhc
ologian professor at tho University of Halle, lu
a recent lecturo he took the following position;
Quite as untenable tH the proofs, from Scrip
ture for the necessity of infant baptism, einco it
is an error to regard tho establishment of the or-'
dlnauce os found in Matt. 19 ": 13-15 J John3 :
5 ; Matt. 2S : 10, whilo the first two passages
huve uojnauiiet l.jf conuoction witU,bapi,ism,pn4
the last indicates plainly a limitation of its uni
versal ity. f - c i .'. -" ; , ': .
The appeal to the circumcision of infants un
der the Old Testament theocracy, can also prove
nothing'' for iiifant baptism, on account of the
difference between the Jewish and Christian
Church. ' .. i' -'i-i J- .";
V: Nevertheless the Christian Church (mark it
well not Christ or his Apostles) from a worthy
consideration has instituted the baptism of iu
fants while only by this means was the christian
izing of the heathen possible " ' . . ' . . ' " : V
: . If the decision of the above distinguished the
ologians of their own faith, will not be regarded,
we anneal to the Rev. A. Barnes, the famous
. . . .....
Presbyterian, and standard commentator, of
Philadelphia. Surely they will hear hitn.
Rev. A. Barnes. 4 Of such is the kingdom
of heaven. Tho kingdom of heaven . evidently
means here the church. Noto Matt. .3 : 2 : in
Mark and Luke it is said he immediately added.
44 Whosoever, shall not receivcthe kinjrdom of
God as a little child shall not enter therein."
Whosoever shall not be humble, unambitious and
docile, shall not be a true ! follower of Christ, or
a member of his kingdom. . r , : -
Of such as Ihest;- that is, of persons with such
tempers as these is the church to be composed
He does not say of those infants, but . of such
persons as resembled them, or like them in tem
per, was the kingdom of heaven made np
So much' for the first passage. If there was
even a faint intimation of infant baptism in it,
no advocate of the rite would repudiate it proof
Doing. so scarce. ,;-;.,:-:.-... .t -
- His second passage is the commission as given
by Matt. 2S: 19, 44 Go ye, therefore, and teach
all nations baptizing them,n &c.
He says, 44 the command is to baptizo some
body'. Neither adults nor infants are mentioued
but 4 all nations. "
Dr. Rice's own translation (which see) of this
passage shows how conclusively and unnustaka
bly who. arc meant. - He translated it:44 Go dis-
cinle all nations. 44 bartizrn?r them. " Bantizin?
that all theTwhonT ? rNot"ue waters' Ju Jiscrlminatt?ly,"61neri
the pronoun anleas in tho Greek does noPagree
with 44 ia ethna" the nations, and therefore can
not refer to them, but it being in the inasculipe
that which is true or rational; if they mean it ab
solutely as so epoken : else why should ono be
baptized more than another? . . This is not
like some occasional historical mention of ..bap
tism, but it -w tho very commission: of Christ to
his Apostles for preaching aud baptizing, and
purposoly expres.setb their soveral works in their
soveral places and order. - Their first task is b
teaching to make disciples, who are by. Mar
j4 Tho second work is to baptizathem, whereto
h annexed the promise of their salvation. ',' ,
' The third work is to teach them all Mother
things which are Afterwards to bo learned in the
school of Christ. To contemn this order, is" to
renounoo all rules of ordor j for" where can 1 we
expect to find it, if hero ? , I . profess, my con
science i.i fully satisfied' from this text, that it is
one surtif faith, even saving, that must go be
fore baptism, and . the profession whereof the
minister must expect." Dis. of Right; to Sac.
p. 91150. .v'-i f-..r.-A-
Dr. F. G. HiBBABD, Methodist, Com
ment on Mattes : 19, &c; It is well known
that our English version "does not give a satisfac
tory view of thi? passage. " The word rendered
teach, in tho 19th is altogether a different word,
in the Greek text, from that which is rendered
teach; in vsrso 20. It should read, lGo disci
ple i. e. make converts to Christianity, of all
nations, baptizing them," &c ",; ' "
44 Here it is to be observed, first certain thinga
are enjoined j viz : to disciple, to baptize, and to
teacu , ; secondly, thes things are enjoined, in a
certain order: viz : the order in which they stand
in tue divine commission.?" '";, "-' i 5 ht;.
44 Suppose we say that the things commanded
are important to be done, but the order observed
in tue commission is a subject of indifference.
j.iowt wnac win oe , tne consequence, oi mis
position. What, but total and irretrievable con-
usion I The apostles go forth : .they are intent
upon doing all that Christ commanded them,but
tho order of the duties is a subject "of mdiffer
ence. Y Tho consenuence is that some' are bap
tized before they are converted from heathenism
some receive the holy supper before either bap-
iwm -f wr conversion ; oiuers . are cngagcu iu a
course of instruction before they , are disciples,
and the most mcoli-irent and unsuitable practicd
everywhere prevaib" Y '! j ' . I ' -
A. B arses. Matt. 23: 19. Teach all na
tions.' The word rendered leach here is not the
one ' that ; is usually so translated in the New
restamcnt, '"J. This word properly means disci'
pie or. make disciples of all nations.-- This, was
to b done, . however, by teaching them, and
then administering the rite baptism. - .
And I provoke: Mr. Blake, (and so do we Dr.
Rice,) as far as is seemly for me to do, to name
one precept or example for baptizing any other,
and make it goo5 if he can.'.
Limborch, a 'distinguished Professor of Theo
logy, says, 44 There is no express command for
it in the Scripture nay, all those . passages
wherein baptism is commanded, do immediately
relate to adult persons, since they were ordered
to be instructed and faith is a prerequisite, as a
necessary qualification. The necessity of Pedo
baptism was never asserted by any Council be
fore that At Cartilage
that there is no pre
in scTipture o inf j r
B. 5, c. xxii, S. 1
Dr. Knapp, i
Europe, whose T--Theological
,scho 1
sive example in tL.
berfb;p.'.'-. Page 4. . . .y,:Y;;;";, ;.
Dr. Neander. 44 It. h 'certain that;Christ
1 in 418. We own
undoubted instance
. " . System of Div
! first theologians of
. standard in all our
4t there , is no deci
.s fur infant liiem-
r 4 j ? -y
it fit.
- 3 .'3
tie
x . i a
lexis r ! " wn
-J r:;ly readers cf our
Acala !
sive . prcc
concl
rf
. r e
'.:re is altogether wanting any
for the baptism of
- w
cf it
r-3 cf the apostle?, nor can the
lo chduecd frcni tie cafnre cf
La't! r.i."
"still, LoTrcrcr, t!.2 prcpri;ty cf i-lant U-iUm
is uioultcl, tnltae ccl.lha cf tlz church
after tha clc23 c?tL3 tl.Ird c:-tury i-;:rit:vJy
gender must refer to a noun iu this gender. There
ara but two nouns expressed . or understood in
this verse to which 44 them" can refer, ethna. and
sisTjifvin'z disciples or the discipled. This makes
sense, and corresponds to the example of Christ
esus made, disciples Deiore ne oapuzea tuem.
Jisus made and baptize! more disciples than
John." He is a disciple who believes with his
whole heart and trusts in Christ, and such a. dis
ciple,' the believer alone, Christ intended his
church to baptize. . 1 his commission as given
by Mark, decides tins most clearly. . - ',"'
Go ye into all the world and prcach.the gos
pel to every creature, he that Delievetli and is
baptized shall be saved.": .. . r ,
Laws arespecifift instruments. f This commis
sion is a law, enjoining a Christian ordinance
and limiting by specification the subjects of.it
1 ne suoj jcis are iiuumu vy tue cuiiriimur vpuci
fied any other is positively forbidden
Specification m a law-.cut oil and forbid what
ever is not specineu. . , . . . t
God commanded Noah to make.au ark
Gopher wood ; because the gopher was specified
he use of all other wood was prohibited, and
Christ commanded his disciples to preach, his
gospel : thus forbid them to preach the law or
Judaism or Confucianism. He commanded them
to baptize in the name of the Father j Son, and
Holy Spirit : this forbade them to baptize in the
name of Peter, Faul, and Apollos.
He specified the believer, and the disciple
and this most positively forbids the baptism
any other character. -
Had infants been baptized np to this date by
Christ, this law would forbid his disciples and
church from continuing the practice
If this commission docs not forbid the baptism
of unbelievers, then nothing can be known or
definitely communicated by the Greek or English
languages. We would take our stand upon the
commission against the hosts of Pedobaptism, as
upon the rock of ages, and defy their frantic and
maniac attempts to shake our foundation. .
, We once more appeal to the highest Pedobap
tist authority in favor of our position, and against
Dr. Rice. ' ." '': '
Dr. Doddridge says, 44 1 render the word
malhatl teusate, proscfyte, that it may , be duly
distinguished from didaskonhSy teaching (in the
next verse) with which bur version confounds it.
The former seems to impart instruction in the
essentials of religion, which it was necessary
adult persons should know and submit to before
they could regularly bo admitted to baptism ;
the latter may relate to those more particular
admonitions in regard to Christian faith and prac
tice which were to be built on that foundation.'
Note on the place, f , ;
Now upon the above premises, there is not
only no authority in the commission ; for infant
baptism, but0positive authority against the prac
tice, since they cannot be proselyted, made dis
ciples, -receive instruction. '
Dr. Hammond. 44 Call all nations to disci
pleship -j or instruct them in the faith and dis
cipline. Testify the resurrection of Christ to
all, and by preaching the gospel in all parts,
gather diaciples, and having gathered them, bap
tize and teach then. I do not belicvo cr prc-tP-nA.
'that that rrecept of Christ doth necessari
ly infer (though it do as little deny) that infants
are to la baptized." . '. . .
S.r-r, itr.it? Can cm la ucir lod With
out teachb" ? Ar.-I can an ir.far.t la tan.t.
did not ordain infant baptism." ; (See Nean
der.)' ..'.-. .- ''.'
Professor 'Stuaut, of Andover, says t Com
mands, or plain an I certain-examples,- in the
New Testament, relative to it, I do not find.",
V, Dr. VooD3. In substance the same. ' .
E Dr. Miller 44 the patriarch of the Presby
terian church," says, M The fact isj that during
the whole three -score years atte? tne ; ascension
of Christ, which the. New Testament history em
b aces, we have no hint of the baptism of infants
born of Christian parents.,p. "
AY ill : not theie th tea last nave some wcigui
with Presbyterians? ,. 3 . m '
We only nttd space to extend this ", Jist, but
these must sufiiee.' Will Dr.. Rice weish his in
dividual opinion and 'positive assertion in the
face of all. these ? : : -; -' ? - - -: '
That Roman 'Catholics deny scripture author
ity for the practice and support it upon the tra
ditions of their Church, is" too well known to be
denied.'-. :. .s-.i . - '.'
We add the fcllowins:
n Dr. Pise, a minister of the Roman Catholic
Clinch; and nf hicrh standing anions that order
in '.New York, second perhaps to none, but Car
dinal Hughes, delivered a lecturo recently at the
cburfch ef St. Charles, Barromeo, Brooklyn; in
which he said: ' ': ' -.t
44 There are many things believed by all Chris
tians at the nrescnt dav. not to bo found in the
r " ' . . -
Scriptures." . ' ' ' ' - -
,44 This, he said'is true 44 with, regard to In
fant baptism, that we and all Christians believe
in, for there ; is no authority for it in Scripture.
We no where.nndinat xne Aposues Dapuzea in-
Dr. J. Aug. Starck, chaplain td the Coar
of Hesse, says : . 1 , : ' ' ' '-
4tlt cannot be denied, that no eaaplecan bi
cited from the books of the Ncwj Testament
that the apostles and disciples of tho Lord bap-'
tized children and babes ; for though again ani
again,Iit is said that 5 the japostles baptised whol6
households, there is, nevertheless, in this noth
ing to constrain us to .think that little children!
were baptized ; rather, the. contrary may with'
good reason'be presumed, if we look backpt those
places in which assent is given to the preaching of
the apostles. -, At Ieastin these places there is no
stronger proof for infant . baptism than is 'that
which might be drawn from corresponding pas
sages in favor of the participation of little chil-'
dren in the supper of the Lord; Therefore bays":
there been learned men who have esteemed, in
fant baptism no less than the admission of chil
dren to the supper, as an institution which' first
arose after the times of th3 apostles." irct
chile der Taufe c jj, 10. t
Dr. LobegottLange, Professor in tho Uni-
versity: of Jena,' says: - ' - 's ,
44 Would the Protestant Church fulfil" .and at
tain to its final destiny, the baptism of nevr born,
children must of necessity, bo., abolished. It has
sunk down to a mere formality , without' any re
ligious meaning for, the child, and stands in con
tradiction to the - fundamental doctrines of the
Reformers, on the advantage and use' of the sai. t
craments. It cannot, from any. point of view,
be justified by the Holy Scriptures, and owes itd
origin, as well as its retention by the Reformers,
to the -anti scriptural and, irrational idea, that
children, because of original sin, are born under r
the power of the devil, and exposed to eternal-
eondemnatioh" OrescAw"Ate der jTrotestantiti-
VIUS.
TP-:
Calvin.- Because Christ 1 requires teaching fants, and if it be proper-: and necessary to baj-
before baptizing," tvnd ' will ' have believers only
admitted to baptisiii; baptism docs not seem to
be rightly administered, except faith precede.--Under
this pretence the Anabaptists have loudly
clamored ajrainst Pedobaptists. -
7"esoxTratraTOlr5, therefore t
and teach all nations." 4 The Greek w malheele-
nsate. make disciples ; of all nations V but the
first by preaching and 'instructing them in the
principles of the Christian faith, and Mark ex
pounds it,-telling us our Saviour said, 4 Go ye
into all" the, world and preach the Gospel-: to
eyjry creature," that is to every reasonable crea
ture j capable f of hearing? and receiving it. 'I
cannot be of : their mind who think that per
sons maybe baptized before they are taught ; we
want precedents of any such baptisms in Scrip
ture.. .
Savuin. .4 In the primitive church, instruc
tion preceded f baptism, s agreeably to the order
of Jesus Christ,'4.4 Go teach all nations,-,baptizing
them'- &c. ;. - " ,; - ' : ' - -"
Gomabus. 44 In7 Matt; 23 : 19, our J Lord
speaks not concerning infants, but adulti,'who
are capable of instruction." ,. .. :". '..
. Mr. Samuel Palmer. fl" There is nothing in
the words of the institution respecting the bap
tism of infants."
. In conclusion, we will submit a few. of the
scores of eicalhedra aduibsions of Pedobaptist
standard divines : '
. Martin Luther, the moving spirit of the
Reformation, declaifed, 44 It cannot be proved
by the sacred Scriptures, that infant baptism
was instituted by Christ, or by the first Chris-
tians after the Apostles.
Melancthon and Zwingle admitted - the
same.
Erasmus says iu h'i3 notes on Romans i 4Paul
does not seem iu Rom. 6 : 14, to treat of infants.
it was , not , the custom for infants to bo bap
tized.?' - ' ' ' ':
J2coLAMPADius, the fellow-laborer of Zwin
gle says, 4. No passage inha Holy Scriptures
ha3 occurred to our observation as yet which as
far as the slendcrncss of our capacity can dis
cern, should persuade: lis to profoss Pedobap
tism."- ..." V ' '. ;v.:.,i;'
, Hero are five of the Reformers th3 Fathers
of the Ueformation declaring that they were un
able to find a passage in the Word of God to
support." infant baptism. Had they pever met
with these two passages given by Dr. Rice ?!
V'Tertullian in the beginning of the 3rd cen
tury denies a divine warrant for it, and .
Origin, A. D. 3oU aud alter nim aus-
t - 1 it r- . I x 1.
Tina declares " ror cms reason w wasu aray
the pollution of original sin) it was that the
churchhad front the Apostles TRADITION to
giver baptism even to infants." ! . '
Curcell.eus, f rotessor at "jrenova, l ne bap
tism of infants in the two first centuries after
Christ, was altogether unknown : but in the 3rd
and 4th, it was allowed by some fawi" Quoted
by Pcngilly. . -: ;
- Dr. Field; 44 The baptism of infants is
therefore named a tradition because it is not ex
pressly delivered in Scripture, that tho apostles
did", baptiza infants, or. any express precept J
there found that they should do so." By t'en- j
gilly. t ; . : '
Ur. tiooK, a celebrated .t,ngiisu uitiuc, cow
living. 44 You know my hearers, tnat tna ii-
ble says nothing whatever of the baptism cf in
fants ; if then jou reject the authority of tradi
liflUy how do you account for iafant baptism."
Dr. Wall. 44 Among all the persona that are
recorded as baptized by the Apostles, thero is no
express mention of any infants."
Bishop Burnett, "There h no express
precept or ru" pivea in tha New Te. t k.i. :.t fr
tiz5 t infants as well ' as adults,"re have no other
authority and ' must ' depend entirely on tradi-
" In this we think Dr. Pise 13, correct. .We
know of no precept or example in, the Scriptures
forTlnfaUt ?baptism;::rAnd if the practice4 does
really rest on the authority of tradition, we sub-
? X 4 X n n. i. DAs4.i"kv4ii?f'.. viwtfa rrlAxV.AW l e
Ulllt III IU VU(, x cuvuviun itiuu, nuduci i 10
not in fact a relic of popery, which the Uefor
mation failed to cast off." -,: : '-
44 If you' deny, tradition 'affords a ground'for
infant baptism, where, can you find any author
ity for the practice VFalter Pirazza to Mr.
We offer here a tew ad missions-7-more prop
erly asser luras of several or ther most eminent
German Theologians ;of the present age living
witnesses...? "-' "P 'Zr-l -
The first is from the pen of f. the great Leio-
nitz.; It 13 remarkable that our greater or equally
great Newton, who was the compeer of Leib
nitz, should have borne substantially the same
testimony in his celebrated remark, that 44 the
Baptists are the inly demomination of Christians
who have not ; symoouzea witn tne unurcn 01
Rome !" Certainly the concurrent opinion of
two of the greatest philosophers whom the world
ever saw,; and great, scholars too, is entitled
to" some consideration,- an opinion given, too,
in opposition to educational prepossessions. ! k
r-Froui Leibnitz's System of Theology, accor
ding to the Hanover Manuscript, translated into
German . (with the Latin text in parallel . col
umns) by Dr. Rass and Dr. Weiss, with a pre
face by Mr. Lorenz Doller, - formerly Professor
of JEsthetices ; at Heidelberg. .Third enlarged
edition, with an introduction by both the trans
lators, with the approbation of the Right Rever
end Grand Vicariate. IV'aiatz, 1S25:
, 44 We will now spcake particularly of the sa
craments: and, first, of baptism : but briefly since
the controversies respecting it, up to, the pres
ent time, are not very numerous or important
It must b3 confessed that without the authority
of tho church, the baptism of -children could
noTbe adequately defended. ' For there is no
example in its favor in tho Sacred Scriptures,
Hiciiaf.i Baxter
'3 rr.-i ell ri
2 tl.t?ny i;,:y
t 1. f.re
i tottL2 i.- acftLatvit; tcr
Co j:,c!
Af.rt:.'
r. c:. 1 1.
which appear, besides water, to demand faith
11
th Lantern c t ii.ur.t ?
Richard Baxti (au'.h.-
d Viit.i ;.ir. i,.i"
. 44 I 1
lajti.-ra 11 t;:
? c T it t )
in u
t ,1 -
is t:.
r c
1
at
Li
; .1 t " . :
' ...
I; j ti-.r t".c.
also. To attnbuta faith, however, as some do,
to those who cannot yet uso'thcir reason, is far
too arbitrary and delusive, and destitute of pro
bability. For as St. Augustine says, in hb
letter to Dardanus, If wo wish to show in xcordi,
that children who are not acquainted with hu
man things, yet comprehended divine things, I
fear, lest we do injustice to our senses, tiace we
use speech to persuade in a case where tho evi
dence of tho truth surpasses all the powers and
purposes of speech. tlcnce it appears to me
that those who reject church authority, cannot
sustain tho attacks of the Anabaptists.'-" ! ! ! !
Dr. Cur. Ludw. Couarp, of Berlin, fays :
44 4He who bellevcth and is baptized,' eays
the Lord, 4fchall be saved.' As faith anl bap
tism are constantly so clos.')y connected togeth
er, men might reasonably besitata to baptlw in
fants, inasmuch as faith would with them bo
impossible. Neither has tho Lord lamslf r
lain -d infant baptism. As littla &ho cm
pro""" ftrictly and convincingly, that the np-HtK'sj-3 - ; '
baptized children, alihou-'a wo know that tV7;c I ti r u!
baptized wholi families, anlw im;'.l J iMly VM "
suppose that there wero chudreu -' :
The Life cT Chrhliins djri? tf.e first t'.rti
rd. 33.
Cu. Fr.ir.rtt. KnsLI t't
Oar f.r:t : i -ri - i
4ilt must now be granted by every unprejudic '
ed reader." f Kenner of Holy Scnptura . and.
Christian antiquity,1 that the baptism of new-bora
.t;u 1..-.1L 1 x ...
cunurun was aiiogeuier, uu&uuwu 10 primiuVO
Christianity .fll6ui. p. 221. . . . :
Dr. J.' Wf L HoFLrsG, Professor of Practical
Theology at jErlangen, says :-
. 44 Truly an historical proof of infant baptism
cannot be cited from the Holy Scriptures j for?
although -children may, have been baptized by:
the apostles in those . passages in which the bap.--,
tism of entire families is spoken of there hap-?
pens to be no mention made of the existence of
presence of young children in them," des Vor-
handengewesenseyns unmundlger Kinder In jenea'
Havsern nicht zugliech Erwahhung geschieht.l
uas sacrament aer .xauje. tot. Jjf. yy,
" As to tue : History ? 01 miann oapnsm, surd
enough it cannot be denied that prior to Tertul-
lian, no where is it mentioned in express and al
together precise terms, and even Tertulliari him-'
self speaks out against it." Ibid p. 104. ' '
44 Finally, Dr. Rice does not ' believe he hai'
no confidence himself in the argument he has giy- "
en above. Proof Why does he not practico
it ? t- Why does he- not teach it in his pulpit and-"
from his press ? ! 1 ' 44 Why then docs he not al
low all children' all the privileges of .Christ i
Church ? If he has interpreted this passage cor-
reedy, it . invites all little children indiscrimin
ately,-whether born of pious or ungodly parents
not only to baptism but ia the Lord's Sapper,'
and to all other church privileges Does - th -Presbyterian
of the West carry "out this pre
cept ?" Far from it ; he teaches the veTy op-s
pusitu uuuiiius, iua kiuij a -jcWj a VERT FEW
infants, are to be baptized the seed of believing'
parents, of one at least! Where docs he find
the authority forr that ? When he finds it, ha
finds what will: overthrow his comment npon both
the passages be has given ! ! . We cannot believe
he has the least faith in his own argument, - for
u'- a x 1,: i ; . : .
ais pracuce auu fccaviumjj jjuoiufciy coniraaiCs
it. -In which is he sincere ?! I i;,1;,;i;X:" 3
So much has been said about tho reward anl
44 tho bond" offered to Mr. Fly, pursuant to a call
r 1 ' i :ll . 1 .. ' ix . 1
irom mm,, we wm uow imruauce u in tnis con
nection to the reading world. . . . i : -i
- We are willing to test it before as jury in any
town or city in the Union. s ' : . -
It ha3 four, times been offered, and a3 many
times forced the, acknowledgement1 that God's
Word contains, no precept for the practice. . '
- The ; endorsers of the Bond aremen worth
from $10,000 to $200,000. each. It is solvent
-;"';-' -7--V THE BOND. ': c ;-; .
f $ 1 ,000: Thirty - days after t. date; we bind
ourselves, 'our heirs, &c., to pay to A. B. Fly
one thousand dollars for value received. Witness
our hands and seals tills 1st day of .August, 1S51.
( -, i , SEAL. -
The condition of the above obligation is such
that, whereas, there hath been, and continues to
bo a strong controversy about infant sprinkling ;
Pedobaptists affirming that there is authority in
the Word of God for tha practice, and Baptists
denying. Now, therefore, as the said Mr. Fly
hath proposed to produce authority in the Word
of God tor infant sprinkling, whenever tho pay- '
ment of one thousand drllars shall be secured to
him by eolvent bond, . Now, to settle this oil
and disagreeable controversy, we propose to sub
mit this matter to five lawyer? of high standing,
two to b3 chosen by said Fly, and two by J. lit
Graves; and the four thu3 chosen, to ehoc tv-
fifth none of whom Ehall be members c.
church; and it is also understood that sail 1
and Eaid Graves shall bo at liberty to f
the Lssue of tha premises, and to tL.
and the verdict rendered by h-A 1 jury, shall S
regulated by the practice in c - caartscf
tice,, regulating pleadings L I tU vr: ' ' f
jury's ; and the said five Uwycrs, ifirri .
y sworn, shall doci li all rp : :! ' 1 i '
der of said trial.'
Ani be it t'nrtly tr! - 1 I . !
has to rrc'aca cither n r ' ' 1 I - '
wan I) c? cxsn:j'.3 in th's.'. f (,
tint $i ricllir.T, aichri'tba ! x ; -t
.i tu:-:.'i-t-Lall I f-;'Jf anl . " " .--
1,-a;. t .' :ry . i Ijj
I th..- r "j - f
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ccnturus. p. 202. Car umrr,
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