Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1877. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... General Remarks. 'THE BIBLE is the best work on the subject of bapJ DEGREES tism. In the early part of my ministry, when the Presbytery was in session at the church of which I had just taken charge, a colporteur in attendance introduced me to a gentleman who, as he thought, ought to unite with the church. After a short conversation with him, I agreed with the colporteur, and remarked that the Session would meet in a few minutes, and suggested that he should present himself for admission into the church. After a moment's pause, he said he was "laboring under a difficulty that rendered such a step impracticable." Upon inquiry I found that he believed that immersion is the proper mode of baptism. I told him that was no difficulty; in D was a Baptist church, where he would be welcomed. "But," said he, "I prefer the Presbyterian Church." 'The colporteur proposed to sell him some books on the subject of baptism. My reply was, "Mr. E., let his books alone. If you have immersion in your head, my first advice to you is, go and unite with the Baptist Church. If you are not satisfied, take your Bible alone, and examine the subject in the light of God's Word, praying for the guidance of the Spirit; after such examination, act according to the conclusion reached." About four months after this cpnversation, he presented himself to the Session of our church for admission. I asked him if he was satisfied on the question of baptism. His answer was, "Thoroughly." He proved to be one of the most intelligent Bible Christians I ever knew, and remarkable for the conscientious discharge of duty. As I subsequently learned, every influence had been exerted on him to convince him that immersion is baptism. What the people want is, not a learned dissertation on the classic meaning of words in a ...