according to the ability with which God has favored us, that the missionary cause may be advanced.*

* In the MS. here follow outline notes of a peroration which hint at illustrations and incidents, but would be suggestive only to the speaker himself.

ON CHRISTIAN BAPTISM.*

T is generally admitted by those professing the Christian name, that Baptism by water is a sacrament of the Church, instituted by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But while agreeing as to the nature of the institution, they widely disagree as to its subjects and its mode.

Hence controversies; and it is deeply to be regretted that a want of Christian charity has been so apparent in many who have spoken and written on this subject. Such have been unmindful of the salutary counsel, "See that ye fall not out by the way." And again, "Let your moderation be known unto all men." Looking through the glasses of prejudice, we magnify mole-hills into mountains, make non-essentials absolutely necessary, and then cry out, in the spirit of self-sufficiency, "This is the way, and the only way. If

*This Discourse was delivered at Mount Holly, New Jersey, during a time of much controversy and excitemeut on the subject of Baptism, in 1842.

you pursue another course, you will fall under the Divine displeasure."

Since we are but fallible creatures, it surely becomes us to exercise that "charity which suffereth long, and is kind; which beareth all things, which believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, and which never faileth." Actuated by this heaven-born principle, we will think kindly, speak advisedly, and act in a Christian-like manner.

When our principles or usages as a Church are misrepresented or condemned, it is our duty to defend these principles and justify these usages; or else frankly acknowledge and renounce them as

errors.

We do not purpose to-day to enter the lists in an attack on others, but simply to occupy the ground of self-defense in reference to the subject of Christian Baptism. If when we have stated our views, we shall fail to convince that ours is "the more excellent way," we shall not therefore unchristianize others. For we conceive that theological views however correct, and Church customs however apostolic, will not save the soul without spiritual regeneration; since neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."

In this spirit we would present to your candid attention a discussion of the Nature, the Subjects, and the Mode of Christian Baptism.

I. Baptism is a sacrament of the Church, instituted by our Lord. "A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us, ordained by Christ as a means of grace and a pledge to assure us thereof."

Baptism is a sign of profession and mark of difference, whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not of His fold and family. Baptism supposes, commemorates, our native defilement and uncleanness. Being corrupt, we have need of cleansing. Being brought forth in iniquity, we have need to be born again, to be created anew in Christ Jesus. It is therefore a sign and seal of the covenant with the Almighty, by which He proffers us moral purification, and in the acceptance of which we become His people. It is the initiatory rite by which we enter into the Christian Church and are entitled to claim all its blessings and take upon ourselves all its obligations.

That Baptism by water is a sacrament instituted by the great Founder of Christianity must be admitted by all who admit the Divine authenticity of the New Testament. That it has not

been abrogated, is likewise clear; and, therefore, it still remains obligatory upon those professing the Christian name, and will so continue until the final consummation, because there is now no authority to set it aside. In the commission given the Apostles, our Saviour says, "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew xxviii. 19, 20.) Now, as this ministry is to continue until the end of time, and as it cannot be fully discharged without Baptism, it, therefore, plainly follows that Baptism is to be perpetuated in the Christian Church.

That the Baptism of the Spirit is to supersede water Baptism does not appear in the sacred volume. While, on the other hand, those who had received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost were commanded by an Apostle to be baptized with water. "Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost, as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts x. 47.) Hence, to lay Baptism by water aside, as a carnal ordinance, as do the