North Carolina Newspapers

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 ;! 1 t V, , ; ' ' . t : ccnturus. p. 202. Car umrr, chin !y i i f V.H-3 til n t tU'i C'-Ltvirii 1 it- ti ! if ! .i w 1 j it 1 . t', i V 1 it .1 t'. i t l t i V I - '.. r. n -: i iri : : . " 5 - 0 !" : 1 ! I jr.