Before the foot-lights

Preface

This book is intended as a sequel to Behind the Scenes. In that work the author gives the reader an idea of the severe struggles through which he became a Baptist. There the reader may watch certain processes of thought resulting in a firm conviction of the truth ; here he may inspect a portion of the evidences on which that conviction rests. There he may dwell on some of the incidents of an earnest inquest after the old gospel - practice ; here he may see that practice accurately and distinctly mapped out by many of the most competent among those who refuse to observe it. There he may study a conflict of opinions; here he finds himself in an arsenal full of Baptist ammunition furnished by first-class pedobaptist factories.

It is a significant fact that the most eminent pedobaptist expositors and writers, in ever-growing numbers, are turning the shotted batteries of Divine Truth upon the citadels of pedobaptist errors. In (iii)

IV PREFACE.

these pages the writer would aid them in this good work, by combining many of those batteries in such way that they may deliver one tremendous, prolonged broadside against Sprinkling and Infant Baptism. Having great faith in the honesty of the masses of his pedobaptist brethren, he invites them to ponder the testimonies of scores of their very best writers, as set forth in these pages, in the confident hope that very many of them will do so, and that, doing so, they will discern and obey the truth.

Some of our good Baptist friends have an idea that many pedobaptists are afraid to read up on pedobaptist practices, and it must be owned that facts are not wanting to justify that idea, in very many instances. A good way to refute it would be to march boldly up to these Footlights, and read every page, and every paragraph, carefully and prayerfully. The author charges nothing for this suggestion, and ventures to hope that many will act upon it.

Trusting that this book may contribute, in some small degree at least, to the triumph of the truth, and to the unity and peace of the Churches of Christ, he sends it forth in the name of the Master, invoking his blessing upon all who may read it.

F. M. Iams.

Pedobaptist Defenses, . . .

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