Scripture baptism defended, and Anabaptist notions proved to be anti-Scriptural novelties

Front matter

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<* C7 ( A ' ggag^ * «.c . tree ^ r u * y*M.

Chapter I

Position of Anabaptists Stated— The words Dip. Plunge, Immerse, Overwhelm , not Synonymous — They give us the word Plunge as the Synonym of Baptize, and their practice is to Plunge, and Pluuge only— Their favorite arguments drawn from the Baptism by John and that by Philip — John's Baptism not Christian Baptism— Christ's Baptism different from both — Their Arguments based up'>n a mere Assumption — Their Assumption is shown to involve palpable Absurdities — It is disproved and shown to be a mere Legging of the question. . . . . . .1

Chapter II

Direct Argument taken up— That which God calls Baptism shown to be administered by the baptismal element Falling upon the Subject— This is claimed to be a Fact— "What God Asserts Baptists Deny— God Baptizes by Pouring— This, too, is a Fact— His Precept and his Practice Against Plunging. ......... 9

Chapter VIII

The appeal to antiquity is simply superstition, cruelty, and absurdity, appealing to superstition, cruelty, and Bbsoidlty-Many auperetitiouB and absurd opinions and practices specified as having obtained in the nominally Christian Church at a very early period-It is difficult to mention any one religious dogma that is more clogged with difficulties than is the dogma Of plunging. ...•••

Chapter IX

Summing up-A great variety of Particulars are Specified-Plunging was, and is, connected with Superstition and various Errors, and is don 1 Offspring of Bnperadtion-Proaelytlng, eanalng Proaeljto to ttenoonea their Baptism is very Berfona-1 ' the roppoaition that

the German Fanatic, discovered what all thewlM and the learned both

CONTEXTS. V

ancient and modern have failed to discover- It is tlic duty of Zion'a Watchmen to Save their People from being Proselyted— The sincciity of the Anabaptists in crying for Union under certain circumstances is very questionable while they teach as they do — We are not. at liberty to reject a Divinely appointed Method and adopt another, especially when that other is very objectionable in itself— Nor is the Church at Liberty to leave to the choice and whims of Men to Decide where it is her duty to Teach what God has already Decided— Taylor's Pictorial Representations showing the Ancient mode of Baptism. . . . . . .53

Chapter X

Bitter opposition of Antipcdobaptists to Infant Baptism— Grounds ot their opposition examined and refuted. . . . .65

CHAPTER XL

It is shown that Infant Baptism takes the place of Circumcision— Early Christian Fathers are quoted— Testimony of Felagius— The Antipedobaptist dogma one of the most modern of religious errors— Baxter is quoted — Other Fathers are quoted. . . . . . . .73

Chapter XII

It is shown that Infant Baptism has been practised, from Apostolic times— No* One clear case of Opposition to Infant Baptism till tbo Sixteenth Century —Appealing to, and Reasoning with, the Antipcdobaptists— Astounding Facts Stated — They cannot tell us when the Practice of Baptizing Infants Commenced— Wo can tell them When and by Whom Opposition thereto Commenced— Infant Baptism the Uncontradicted Practice of the Churcli from Apostolic till Modern Times. . . . . .85

Chapter XIII

The objection that Infant Baptism is incompatible with Man's Natural Rights is shown to be ridiculous — It contains the very germ of Infidelity, and even Atheism — Objection that Circumcision was a Civil Contract is refuted — Many absurdities exposed. . . .01 v i CON I BBTB.

Chapter XIV

Direct Scripture proof-Infants have the necessary qualifications for Baptism - Their claim more clear than that of any Adult-Romans v. 12, 1>, 19 explalned-Tbe Infant has the same qualifications for Baptism, that Abraham had for Circumcision ; the same thai believing Adults have km Bnptism-A close connection between Infant Baptism and Infant Salvation on the one hand, and between Antipedobaptism and infant damnation on the other-Remarks ou the moral nature of Infant*. •

Chapter XV

The Argument from Apostolic Practice-The Apostles Baptized the Believing Father and his House— Remarks on the Greek words Oikos and Oikia- Taylor is quoted-Some further remarks with regard to the Origin and History of the Anabaptists. . . ■ • • • 115

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

During the past -winter, the M. E. Church in this city held a protracted meeting, and it pleased God to give efficiency to his word, and to bless the labors of his people and crown them with much success. The Presbyterians also held a protracted meeting at the same time, and although each Church attended to its own work, there was a free intercourse of both pastors and members ; each attending the meetings of their sister Church when an opportunity offered.

Thus things went on pleasantly and prosperously till the Anabaptists commenced to work in their usual way, preaching and urging their peculiar views, publicly, and from house to house. Their baptism was the only baptism ; "there was no other mode practised for more than fifteen hundred years." Baptism was "neither more nor less than to dip, plunge, dive, or immerse under the pressure of the minister's hand." And as their baptism was the only baptism, their Church, of course, was the only

Vlll INTRODUCTORY REMARK >.

Church. It was loudly demanded, " Where was the Methodist Church before John Wesley ? Where was the hyterian Church before John Calvin? " Our economy was attacked and our " Class-book" pronounced u a mere catchtrap." The members of my charge were visited in their own houses, and the Bible taken from the shelf to prove that our baptism was no baptism, and that plunging only was baptism ; then they were kindly assured that the baptist door was open, and that if they would come they would be accepted and receive scripture baptism.

Thus the work of proselyting was pushed forward with a zeal and a perseverance worthy of a better cause. And those poor dupes who were caught in this way were made to renouuee their baptism, brought to the river, and made " to plunge, dip, dive, or immerse, under pressure of the minister's hand."

Now they became exceeding bold, and even boasted of their success in proselyting, so much so that a certain lady very boastfully said to one of our people, MVc will haw three or four more of your Methodist ladies." But though matters wore arranged in full confidence of loading them and several others to the river, they were deprived of that pleasure; a little instruction under the tog of God Bayed then from that man ' A vounolady, [ think one of the expected four, and a young convert, afterward told me that "Mr. II. followed her till

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. IX

she was almost distracted and so distressed that she wept. And when she told him that she thought our baptism was proper baptism, he threateningly said, " How dare you say so ? " She says she actually trembled. She having been converted in our meetings and received into our Church some time before, I said, " Why did you not come and tell me ? 5) She said, " I was so perplexed I did not know what to do." I think these were her words.

Some young men who, like many others, became filled with these ideas, and seemed to think that they were now prepared to prove anything and everything, came into my Bible Class and desired me to bring up the subject of baptism there ; but I told them, " No, it is my custom when others are at it to let them blow off, and then I will attend to it." Efforts were also made to unsettle the minds of our Sabbath School children, and means employed to that end similar to those already mentioned; nor were they employed without effect. Teachers came to me telling me that I must do something, for many of the children had become very uneasy ; one whole class I was requested to talk to, and did so? and succeeded, I think, in restoring their quiet.

But time would fail to tell all, and some is really too bad to be told ; and I have concluded not to tell it. Suffice it to say, that my pastoral abilities were heavily taxed ; but by diligence and the blessing of God I sue-

X INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

cccdcd in saving most of the sheep; though I am well convinced that much harm was done by the doings of these prosclytcrs; and I have had much sorrow and have wept many tears in consequence. For while we labored simply to lead sinners to Jesus for salvation, they labored to bring them to the river for immersion ; while we labored to convert them to God, they labored to convert them to their peculiar notions !

Finally, I called the Church together, having previously called the attention of the official board to the matter, and having also conversed previously with some of the leading brethren alone. I stated some of the facts to the Church, saying as now, that there were other things that I would forbear to tell, at least for the present. Some of the older brethren, and others, expressed their disapprobation of such doings and gave wise counsel. I also gave what I conceived to be good advice ; others told their experience, and appropriately referred to what they had witnessed in days of Millerite and Campbcllite excitement, and prophesied that these efforts would come to naught, as those did. And having thus talked, and sung, and prayed, we departed, trusting in the Lord.

Finally, on Sunday, the 23d of April, I announced thai I would preach on baptism on the following Sunday, which I did tw'uv. and so I did on each of the two following Sabbaths, BLX Bermonfl in all; and from that time

ESTEODUCTOBY RKWARKS. XI

till now none hare been made " to plunge, dip, or dire, under the pressure of the mi In the fol-

lowing pages you hare the substance of these sermons, for most of wl I re delivery. I

thought it necessary to state these facts, that the reader might appreciate some of the remarks in the following pages. X st time that I hare

been annoyed in this way.

In referring to the denominition with whose teach- ! I join issue, it was necessary, of course, to use some distinctive appellation. I did not think it proper to use the appellation Baptist, for that term is calculated and designed to c idea that the denomination to

which it is applied is the only denomination that baptises at all. But n fin 6 :m being true that it would

be more in harmony with truth to call them Ant i baptists, seeing they are opposed to the baptism of children, that is, to the baptism of the whole human race till a given period is reaehed. I have, therefore, used the appellation Anabapt: • 7 were originally and prop- :alled, because they rebaptiaed. I hare also used the appellation Antipedobaptists, because they are opposed to the baptism of children. And, for the sake of convenience. I hare sometimes used the appellation Immer- : correct, for they do not immerse, as we haTe shown, but they plunge, and plunge only ; but we did not like to use the

X INTRODUCTORY RKMARKfl.

cecded in saving most of the sheep ; though I am -well convinced that much harm was done by the doings of these prosclyters; and I have had much sorrow and have wept many tears in consequence. For while we labored simply to lead sinners to Jesus for salvation, they labored to bring them to the river for immersion ; while we labored to convert them to God, they labored to convert them to their peculiar notions !

Finally, I called the Church together, having previously called the attention of the official board to the matter, and having also conversed previously with some of the leading brethren alone. I stated some of the facts to the Church, saying as now, that there were other things that I would forbear to tell, at least for the present. Some of the older brethren, and others, expressed their disapprobation of such doings and gave wise counsel. I also gave what I conceived to be good advice ; others told their experience, and appropriately referred to what they had witnessed in days of Millerite and Campbellite excitement, and prophesied that these efforts would come to naught, as those did. And having thus talked, and sung, and prayed, we departed, trusting in the Lord.

Finally, on Sunday, the 23d of April, I announeed that I would preach on baptism on the following Sundav, which I did twice, and so I did on each of the two following Sabbaths, bU sermons in all ; and from that time

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. XI

till now none have been made " to plunge, dip, or dive, under the pressure of the minister's hand ! " In the following pages you have the substance of these sermons, for most of what I said was written before delivery. I thought it necessary to state these facts, that the reader might appreciate some of the remarks in the following pages. Moreover, this is not the first time that I have been annoyed in this way.

In referring to the denomination with whose teachings I join issue, it was necessary, of course, to use some distinctive appellation. I did not think it proper to use the appellation Baptist, for that term is calculated and designed to convey the idea that the denomination to which it is applied is the only denomination that baptizes at all. But so far is this from being true that it would be more in harmony with truth to call them Antibaptists, seeing they are opposed to the baptism of children, that is, to the baptism of the whole human race till a given period is reached. I have, therefore, used the appellation Anabaptists, as they were originally and properly called, because they rebaptized. I have also used the appellation Antipedobaptists ; because they are opposed to the baptism of children. And, for the sake of convenience, I have sometimes used the appellation Immersioniits, though, strictly speaking, that is not correct, for they do not immerse, as we have shown, but they plunge, and plunge only ; but we did not like to use the

Xii INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

appellation jril«ywt, though it would be a truthful appellation, hut it has a strange want of euphony about it.

If any person, after carefully reading this little work, will booestly Bay to me, " I still believe that the views objected to arc the right views," I here promise that I will return to such the price of the pamphlet and take it back cheerfully.

I think this work is needed, for everything of importance and relevant to the subject is pressed into this small compass, and so stated, I think, that everybody may read and understand. For the same purpose I have caused the Greek quotations to be printed in English characters.

JOHN LEVINGTON.

CHRISTIAN BAPTISM-THE MODE.

Chapter I

Position of Anabaptists Stated— The words Dip, Plunge, Immerse, Overwhelm, not Synonymous— They give us the word Plunge as the Synonym of Baptize, and their practice is to Plunge, and Plungo only— Their favorite arguments drawn from the Baptism by John and that by Philip— John's Baptism not Christian Baptism — Christ's Baptism different from both — Their Arguments based upon a mere Assumption— Their Assumption is shown to involve palpable Absurdities— It is disproved and shown to be a mere begging of the question.

The position of the Anabaptists with regard to the mode of baptism, is this. They say, " Baptism is neither more nor less than an immersion of the whole body in water, solemnly performed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Their arguments in favor of this position are usually commenced thus, by their writers : " Baptism, from the Greek word Baptizo, or Bapto, I dip or plunge." " To dip, plunge or immerse." They also use the word overwhelm, and sometimes other words which they consider synonymous with these. Baptize, dip, plunge, immerse, overwhelm. It is assumed that these five terms arc synonymous, but we deny that any one of them is synonymous with any other one of the five terms. It is not necessary, how-

< iiki-tian BAPTISM.

fate this unwarrantable assumption, seeing it is plunging and plunging only, that Lb practised by those

with whom we join issue, nor do I know any other word in the English language that expresses their practice quite as well as this one does ; submerge is the next best, lie this as it may, however, their practice is to plunge . and this aud this only, they assert, is baptism ; and they say the Greek word haptizo means this, ' ; neither more nor less." It is necessary that this should listinctly noticed, as Baptists, so-called, seem to prefer the word immerse, though it is a somewhat ambiguous word, and docs not fairly express their practice, i much, then, as this word is that which best expi their practice, and as they claim it to be the synonym of baptize, we will use it in these discussions, as appropriately expressing that for which they contend. -and to which wc object.

The most favorite arguments of the Anabaptists in r of plunging are drawn from the record of the baptism by John, and from the record of the baptism by Philip, and arc all based vpon the assumption, that certain words liav: the meaning which they attach to them, and no olLcr. Now we purpose to prove that the revere this assumption is true, and will thus take away the very foundation of their arguments, and render them worth-

Afl John's baptism is so much relied upon by the well, just here to call attention to the l'aet that, his baptism was not Christian Ba]

tern for Chris go by. The following remarks

will suffice to show that John'.- baptism was not Chris-

POSITION OF ANABAPTISTS STATED. «*

tian baptism. 1. John's baptism was " unto repentance,'' and the parties baptized professed faith in a Saviour to came. 2. Christian baptism is the initiatory fight into the Christian Church; but when John Baptized, the Christian Church had no existence. 3. While John's baptism was " unto repentance,'' Christian baptism is the seal of justification already received, as circumcision was. Hence when those who had been baptized by John, believed; and were justified in the Christian sense, the Apostles administered Christian baptism to them, as we learn from the following Scripture ; " Paul having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus ; and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed ? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized ? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts xix. 1-5. See also Matt. iii. 5. It is entirely unnecessary to say any more to prove that John's baptism was not Christian baptism. And as the baptism of our blessed Lord is constantly referred to by the Anabaptists, who tell us that we must follow Jesus, it may be well to remark that neither was that Christian baptism, nor was it the same as that which John administered to his countrymen ; it could not be unto repentance, for Jesus had no sin to repent of, neither could it be the seal of his justification, for he never was pardoned ; nor was

4 I EKBTLLH UAPTISM.

it the right of initiation into the Christian Church, for the Christian Church did not yet. exist ; but like the Jewish high-priest, he was thus initiated into the priests' office ; it was also the sign of the baptism by the Holy Ghost, and that was administered by the Spirit " descending upon him." Thus we might fairly reject all the arguments drawn from John's baptism without saying any more. >Ve will not, however, rest our cause here, but will now proceed to refute their assumption, viz., that the words' baptizo, en, eis, and elc have the meaning which they say they have, and no other.

We now take up the word baptizo; and here let it be distinctly noticed that the advocates of plunging as the only mode of baptism, give us the word plunge as the synonym of the word baptize, and their practice is plunging } and only plunging ; nor will they admit that anything short of this is baptism. We have nothing to do, then, with the words, dip, immerse, overwhelm, or any other; their use only tends to deceive / baptizo we are told means to plunge the whole body under, and their

itioe corresponds with the assertion; they do not dip, they do not itm a n t rse, they plunge only !

The question, then, is simply this : does baptizo mean to plunge, u neither more nor less? " To refute this assumption we have only to quote a few texts where the word occurs, and substitute the \vovd plnnyc for the word // ipi

Luke xvi, 24. u Send Lazarus that he may plunge the tip of his finger in water and cool my t rogue." John xii. 20. "H« to whom I shall p w hen I

have plunged it." Lev. xix. 13, he was clothed in a vesture plunged in blood."' .Matt. xx\i. 28. He that plungelh his

POSITION OP ANABAPTISTS STATED. 5

hand with Mo in the dish, the same shall betray me." Mark xiv. 20. " One of the twelve that plungeth with me in the dish." John xiii. 26. u He it is to whom I shall give a sop when I have plunged it." Mark vii. 4, 8. " And when they come from market, except they plunge they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the plunging of cups, and pots, and brazen vessels, and tables." The word Minon, here translated tables, means, more properly, couches, or beds; more especially those couches or lounges upon which the Jews reclined at their tables ; these were, say, fourteen feet long, more or less. Now what do you think of plunging these lounges, or tables, under water before eating? The idea is so absurd that the mere mention of it is sufficient. But this is only one of the numerous absurdities implied in the assumption to which we object. It will be remembered, of course, that baplismos in this passage, is rendered washing, by our translators, but the assumption to which we object will have it plunging ! But we proceed. Heb. ix. 10. "Divers plungings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." Heb. vi. 2. " Of the doctrine of plungings, and of laying on of hands/and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." What think you of the doctrine of plungings? Matt. iii. 11. " Indeed plunge you with water unto repentance; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall plunge you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." If the advocates of plunging insist on the substitution of in for ivith, then the reading will be " He shall plunge you in the Holy Ghost and in fire!" If they prefer this rendering they are welcome to it ! But

<; ( IIKISTIAN BAPTISM.

wc think men of sober judgment will not hesitate to pronounce both renderings absurd, and intolerable. Yet this must be the rendering or the assumption which we object must be given up. " Then cometh Jesus from ( I alilee to Jordan unto John, to be plunged of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be plunged of thee, and comest thou to me ? " Acts. xi. 16. " Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said John indeed plunged in water ; but ye shall be plunged in the Holy Ghost." Nothing prevents such language from being blasphemy but the good intention of those who use it. In Matt. xx. 22, 23 it is difficult to get the word plunge in at all ; but if we substitute the word ■plunge for the word baptize, these verses will read thus : 11 Are ye able to he plunged with the plunging that I am plunged with ? " " Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and ha plunged with the plunging that I am plunged with." Mark i. 4. "John did plunge in the wilderness, and preach the plunging of repentance for the remission of sins." John xii. 50. u But I have a plunging to be plunged with ; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished." \<N x. 37. "That word, I say, ye know. which was published throughout all Judca, and began from Galilee, after the plunging which John preached." xiii. - 1. li John preached the plunging of repentance to all the people of Israel." In Acts xix. 3, we read, M And be .-aid unto them, Unto what then were ye :/,ed ? And t hoy said, Unto John's baptism." The w<nd lure rendered unto, is, in the original. < is, and the adyocatef of plunging rest their arguments, as we shall

show by-and-by, npoo the assumption that cis always

means into * now lei us aubetitute into for unto, in t.iis

POSITION OF ANABAPTISTS STATED. 7

verse, and plunge for baptize, as they claim we should, and the passage will read thus : " And lie said unto them, into what then were ye plunged? And they said, into John's plunging ! " Now who but an ignorant fanatic would charge the inspired writers with talking such consummate nonsense as this transaction indicates ? And, remember this is the correct translation if the assumption here opposed be true ; and it is to obtain such a translation as this that the Anabaptists have got up their new Bible ! 1 Cor. xii. 13. " For by one Spirit are we all plunged into one body." Once more, according to this assumption, Rom. vi. 3 and 4 will read thus : " Know ye not that so many of us as were plunged into Jesus Christ, were plunged into his death ? Therefore we are buried with him by plunging into death."

We think we have now given plunging enough to satisfy the most ardent lover of plunging; nay, we think enough has been given to make the most ardent lover of plunging sick of it ! We beg to assure the reader, however, that much more of the same kind might be given ; what is here given is a mere tithe of the absurdities involved in the assumption that baptizo always means to plunge, "neither more nor less!" We are aware that the better informed among the Anabaptists admit that baptizo has other meaning; but, notwithstanding this, their arguments are based upon the assumption that this is its only meaning ; and they give us the word plunge as its synonym; and they practice plunging and plunging only ! Moreover, we deny that either the word dip or the word immerse, properly expresses their practice, nor does overwhelm, for you may overwhelm a man by casting abundance of water, sand or other substance upon him, but that is not plunging, and, consequently, not baptism, if the assumption under consideration be correct ; and if it is not correct, not true, as it evidently is not, all the arguments which assume its truthfulness, and depend upon such assumption for their validity and conclusiveness, are worth- . till the point assumed is proved, all such arguments are a mere begging of the question. In conclusion, we beg to remind the reader that the word plunge, in its different forms, in the above remarks, represents the word baptizo, in its corresponding forms in the original ; and if the substitution of the one word for the other involves us in absurdities, and even implies impossibilities, as it evidently does, then to baptize does not mean to plunge, and the assumption that it does is not true, and all the arguments built upon that assumption, are worthless, are a mere begging of the question. This is what we claim to have proved, and this is what we undertook to prove, in this chapter.

Chapter II

Direct Argument taken up— That which God calls Baptism shovrn to be administered by the baptismal element Falling upon the Subject— This is claimed to be a Fact— "What God Asserls Baptists Deny— God Baptizes by Pouring— This, too, is a Fact— Ilis Frecept and his Practice Against Plunging.

TVe will now proceed to the direct evidence in the case, and will show that what God calls baptism is administered by the baptismal element falling upon the party baptized, not by the party being plunged in that element ; and will, consequently, prove that the mode contended for and practised by the Anabaptists, is just the reverse of God's mode.

In Daniel iv. 33, we read : " The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar : and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet [ebaphe] with the dew of heaven." Now, here is no plunging ; yet Nebuchadnezzar was baptized. How was he baptized ? The sacred writer tells you in these words : " his body was baptized with the dew of heaven." Now, everybody knows that " the dew of heaven" fell upon his body, and God calls this baptism. Nor can the Anabaptists force en, or eis, into their service in this case, for neither of these prepositions is found here ; the record is, that " his body was baptized ivith the dew of heaven." See Septuagint, Chap. iv. 30. It is worthy of remark,