A history of baptism...

Front matter

HISTORY OF BAPTISM,

BOTH FROM THE

INSPIRED AND UNINSPIRED WRITINGS.

Chapter I. Import Of The Term Baptizo

Section L General Principles relating to the meaning of

words 13

11. Import of Baptizo in the Writings of the Greek

Classics 17

III. Import of Baptizo in the Old Testament and

Apocrypha 24

IV. Literal import of Baptizo in the New Testament 31 V. Metaphorical use of Baptizo in the New Testament 37

VI. Meaning of Baptizo contrasted with other terms

relating to the use of water - - - - 40 VII. Ancient and Modern Translations of the New

Testament 45

VIII. Brief reference to Church History - - - 47

IX. Testimony of Poedobaptist Authors - - - 49

Chapter II. Testimony From The Evangelists

i^ECTioN I. Baptism of John 62

II. The Baptism of Jesus Christ - - - - 78

III. Baptism by Christ's Disciples - - - - 83

IV. Christ's last Commission to his disciples - - 85

IV CONTENTS.

Section I. The Baptism which followed Peter's Sermon - 90

II. Baptism of Simon Magas and others, at Samaria 93

III. Baptism of the Eunuch - - - - - - 95

IV. Baptism of Paul 100

V. Baptism of Cornelius 102

VI. Baptism of Households 103

VII. The Disciples at Ephesus - - - - 110

Chapter V. Various Passages Erroneously Presumed To Refer To Baptism

Section I. Circumcision 122

11. Jewish Proselyte Baptism - - - - 141 III. Children of Believers " holy." — Children blessed by Christ. — " So shall He sprinkle many Nations" 147

Chapter VI

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. MODE OF BAPTISM.

Section I. On the right use of Church History - - - 160 II. The Writings of the Fathers - - - - 162

III. Ancient Baptisteries ; and persons Baptized in

them 167 !

IV. The *'Ordines," or Ritual Regulations for the

Administration of Baptism - - - - 183 V. Invariable and unaltered practice of the Greek

and other Eastern Churches - - - - 188

CONTENTS. V

Sect. Vf. Origin and progress of Pouring and Sprinkling 191 VII. Admissions of Poedobaptist Ecclesiastical Historians and Divines - - - - - 197

Chapter VII

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. SUBJECTS OF BAPTISM.

Section I. Importance of fidelity in Historical Research —

Distinction between Inspiration and Tradition 209 II. Religious and moral character of the early ages

of the Christian Church - - - - 215

III. Meaning of the term "Infant" - - - - 226

IV. Baptism in the Apostolic age, or First Century - 230 V. Baptism in the Second Century - - - 236

VI. Third Century — Infant Baptism first discovered

in Africa 258

VII. Baptism in the Fourth and Fifth Centuries - 267

VIII. Baptism as practised by the Churches never involved in the Great Apostacy - - - 281

Chapter VIII. The Doctrines "which Introduced And Accompanied Infant

BAPTISM.

Section I. Preference of Forms to Spirituality - - - 297 II. Doctrines of the necessity and efiicacy of Baptism

to regeneration, and remission of original sin - 306

III. Doctrine of the damnation of unbaptized Infants 310

Chapter IX

CEREMONIES ASSOCIATED WITH INFANT BAPTISM. INFANT COM- MUNION.

Section I. Ceremonies used in the Baptismal Service of the

Ancient Church ------ 318

II. Infant Communion 323

CONTENTS.

Chapter X

THREE BAPTISMS.—- BAPTISM OF THE APOSTLES, OF THE FATHERS, AND OP THE REFORMERS.

Section I. Apostolic Baptism ------ 3i

II. Baptism of the Fathers - - . - - 332 III. Baptism of the Reformers - - - - 337

Chapter XI

PHILOSOPHY OF BAPTISM ; OR MORAL TENDENCY OF EELIEVERS' AND INFANT BAPTISM COMPARED.

Section I. Moral influence of Baptism on the evidence and character of Christianity as a system of Divine

origin 353

II. Moral effect of Baptism on the individual baptized 356

III. Moral influence of Baptism on the Church - 365

Preface

The author of the following pages lays no claim to skill in the apologetic art ; and is therefore happy that its exercise is not required on the present occasion.

The volume now offered to the public has been urgently demanded. This demand has been made by the people of his charge ; to whom, under Christ, (and to whom alone,) he owes spiritual obedience : it has been also urged by his brethren in the ministry by whom he is surrounded — primitive episcopi ; primitive in the extent of their labours — the simplicity of their living — and the devotedness of their sacrifices ; and to them he offers these pages as the best proof of his high esteem and fraternal affection.

The author is aware that the impression exists in the minds of some of his brethren, that the baptismal question has been adequately discussed, and is in all its important evidences and bearings w^ell understood by the members of our denomination generally. He apprehends, however, that this impression is not well founded. The learned works of those venerable men concerning whom we have to say, " The fathers, where are they?" 'testify to the enlightened and laborious zeal of a former age. Their valuable works are, however, in possession

VIU PREFACE.

of very few; it is long since they have been reprinted,* nor have any volumes been issued, calculated to supply their place in the polemic literature of the denomination. They are indeed too voluminous and expensive for general circulation ; and it is the design of the present volume, to place w^ithin the reach of every member of our denomination, and every inquirer after truth, in a condensed form, and with a lucid arrangement, the information the treatises of those able advocates of the truth contain, as well as to disperse abroad the important additional hght which recent investigations have thrown on this interesting branch of ecclesiastical history.

In numerous local contests, very valuable " Sermons" and " Replies" have been issued from the press ; as the productions of his highly esteemed brethren, Elders W. F. Broaddus^ and R. B. C. Howell,^ and many others with whom the author has not the pleasure to be personally acquainted, testify. The following pages will also show that the author has not been unmindful of the acute and talented Replies of Professor Ripley and the late Mr. Judd. Nor would he omit to mention the admirable tract of Pengilly, which has been extensively circulated. The reasons for their change of

* The re-publication of some of them has recently been commenced under very respectable auspices.

^ Letters to the Rev. Mr. Slicer, in reply to his Appeal on Infant Baptism.

c Three Sermons on Baptism.

PREFACE. IX

sentiments given to the public by those who have most happily been led to the perception of their error on this point, are slso highly interesting. Among them the recent publication of Professor Jewett, lately of Marietta College, is peculiarly adapted to produce a favourable effect on the inquirer. But still if there be a volume in general circulation containing the amount of information which should have its place not only in the library, but in the head and heart of every lover of the truth, the author has not been fortunate enough to meet with it.^

Is not the defence and propagation of one important truth especially committed to our charge as a denomination? and ought not the impression to be produced on the public mind, that its members are better informed on all that relates to this topic, than any other body of Chris-

<* So far from deeming" the present work uncalled for, the author is fully persuaded that the cause of truth yet demands a much larger work ; one which will contain such copious extracts from the writings of the fathers, ecclesiastical historians, reformers, and German critics, as shall put our ministering brethren, and very many of our educated lay brethren, in as happy a situation as to information, for a few dollars, so far as the subject of baptism is concerned, as though they had expended a thousand in the purchase of a library. The author is most happy to be able to state, if indeed he is not taking too great a liberty, that Professor Chase, of the department of ecclesiastical history, in Newton Institution, has had for some time a work of this character in preparation. His literary acquirements, and opportunities of research, peculiarly qualify him to lay our denomination under lasting obligations for his labours ; and will demand from it a most cordial attestation of their approval and support.

1*

X PREFACE.

tians V It is indeed the duty of every Christian to be as well informed on all subjects connected with the history of Christianity as his circumstances will permit ; but on a subject possessing a bearing so interesting and important as that of baptism, it is highly criminal if, through indifference, or want of intellectual industry, he should remain in ignorance of any of the facts which pertain either to the original purity or to the subsequent corruption of that ordinance. The observations of Mr. Taylor, in his valuable work on Ancient Christianity, on the importance of a thorough investigation of controverted points are as striking as they are just:

** At a time when, in the pursuit of secular interests, men in all professions are making unheard-of efforts, and are undergoing labours which our fathers did not dream of, ought it to be considered as a great thing if those to whom the preservation and defence of sacred truths are committed, should be expected to be fully masters of the subject they have to do with ?"

The Christian who has experienced the satisfaction arising from the full historical investigation of disputed points, will not be unwilling to continue the process till the measure of his knowledge is full. There is something

e It is a singular and interesting fact, that the university of Oxford (the highest episcopal institution, or rather collection of episcopal institutions in the world,) has recently printed a beautiful edition of Wall, loith Gale's Reply ; while many baptist ministers have perhaps scarcely seen Gale since they left collecre.

PREFACE. XI at once strengthening and delightful in the process of historical investigation. To a mind desirous to form conclusions wholly in accordance with the truth, the possession of all the facts of the case is its first and most earnest desire. The views we take of Scripture itself, are affected by the existence of other apprehended facts in our minds. If the Christian is assured that certain practices have undoubtedly been adopted by the whole Christian church from the times of the Apostles to the present, can it be otherwise than that he will be led to imagine references to such practices in Scripture, when in fact there are none ? Even admitting that this influence is not a pure one, yet in point of fact can it be otherwise than powerful while the human mind is circumstanced as in this imperfect state we know it to be ? If it is not true that He who oveiTules all things for the good of his church, has permitted such a source of delusion to exist, should not the fallacy of a position so constantly and confidently assumed with respect to baptism be clearly and continually held forth to the public view ? Should not every Christian who holds the truth on this point, for the sake of others as well as himself, be fully informed on all that relates to it? Should not the Christian who is doubtful or misinformed be urged to a thorough investigation of all that pertains to the subject ? A presentation of historic truth on the subject of baptism has become the more necessary at the present time, on account of the new aspect which the controversy has assumed. In former times i\iQ fact was gene-

Xll PREFACE.

rally, if not universally, admitted, that immersion was the apostohc mode of baptism, and was the general and authorized practice of the church for ages. In the present improved state of Christian feeling it has, however, been found by the advocates of sprinkling, that this admission was frequently fatal ; that the authority of the church to vary the mode of administration, which was formerly a general and sufRcient plea, will not avail; young converts will insist on following what is admitted to be the example of their Lord. It is, therefore, though at the imminent risk, to say the least, of moral character, asserted that there is not the least evidence that Christ was immersed, or that the Apostles practised immersion. Indeed the zeal for sprinkling has become so intense as to lead one of its most prominent advocates, high in ecclesiastical station, to make the unheard-of affirmation respecting immersion as practised by John the Baptist, that '* there is not the smallest probability that he baptized in this manner !" The same professor of ecclesiastical history^ does not hesitate to affirm " that the strong arguments in favour of affusion or sprinkling, as the preferable mode, have been duly appreciated in all ages.'^ Is it not necessary that the facts of history should be placed in a condensed and lucid form, in the possession of all willing to receive them, that the disgrace which must necessarily accrue to the bold propagators of such gross misrepresentations, may deter others from similar

f Dr. Miller, Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the Theological Seminary at Princeton.

PREFACE. XIU

attempts, more injurious indeed to the common character of Christianity than to the particular truth against which they are aimed.

While, however, the author feels fully acquitted of "running before he was sent ;" he is very far from thinking that umny of his brethren would not have executed this task more to the benefit as well as to the satisfaction of the public. He can only say, with the utmost sincerity, that he has shrunk from no labour or selfdenial which his circumstances could possibly admit ; and if much of imperfection is found, (the common lot of humanity at best,) the necessary and justifiable haste occasioned by a protracted absence from his family and his charge, will mitigate the censures of those whose disapprobation would be to him a source of regret.

In the execution of the work, the labours of research have not been light; although, had circumstances admitted, the author would willingly have extended them through the whole mass of the Fathers of the ancient church. For this, however, there was the less necessity, as Dr. Wall, in his large collection, has exercised considerable impartiality, and at any rate afforded abundant matter to answer himself and all his associates. The works of Robinson, Gale, Crosby, Gill, Booth, Ripley, Judd, and the articles of Professor Sears in the Christian Review,^ have been sources of important

s The denomination cannot be too zealous for the maintenance of this most valuable periodical. Under its present acute and talented editor, it not only fertilizes by its oft flowing stream of knowledge, but is also a work of defence against the assaults of error.

XIV PREFACE.

aid in the compilation of this volume. But the author is no less indebted to Doddridge, Macknight, Wall, BiJVGHAM, and others of the advocates of poedobaptism ; many valuable facts and opinions favourable to the truth are to be found in their writings. The author would rejoice could he say as much respecting the Lectures of Dr. Woods and Dr. Miller, the professors of Andover and Princeton. The former, indeed, for these days, is a work of comparative candour and consideraable regard to historic truth, though its omissions of facts are unaccountable; but the latter evades the truth at every point, as though it were the Doctor's bitterest enemy ! Should any of the students of either of these theological institutions cast their eyes on these pages, the author would s igg' st to them the propriety of giving the Lectures of the learned and amiable Dr. Doddridge, (one of the best biblical critics, as well as one of the most pious men his age produced,) a careful perusal, and then, for the purpose of instituting a comparison between the candour of the past age, and the blind zeal of the present, read Dr. Miller's Lectures as soon after as convenient.^

t The author would not be considered as including the whole mass of pcedobaptists in this implied censure ; — there are many gratifying exceptions, especially among congregationalists and episcopalians. Among the latter, an eminent instance has recently occurred, in the bold and candid avowal of Bishop Smith, of Kentucky, who publicly affirms that, after the most careful investigation, and mature reflection, he considers immersion to be the only apostolic mode of baptism ; and recommends the church of which he is

PREFACE. XV

For the kindness of the Professors, both of Newton Theological Institution and Hamilton Theological Seminary, the author can find no adequate terms to express his acknowledgments. For the hours they obhgingly subtracted from their pressing engagements to chasten or to enrich the volume now presented to the public, they have only the recompense of the consciousness of having promoted the cause of truth. For several translations from the most recent German critics, the author is especially indebted to President Sears ; and also to Professor Eaton for many valuable and judicious suggestions. The present is not an opportunity to be devoted with propriety to the feehngs of private friendship; but the author cannot refrain from paying a just tribute to the Christian hospitality evinced by the faculty at each of these justly celebrated institutions.

In addition to the works kindly transmitted from London by his brother, the Rev. J. H. Hinton, the author has to acknowledge the assistance derived from the library at Newton, which is rich in works on ecclesiastical history, especially in German authors ; from the private hbrary of the Rev. Daniel Dodge ; but, most of all, from the Philadelphia Library, which contains a most valuable collection of works in every department of literature.

an eminent and highly esteemed minister, to delegate one of its number to procure immersion at the hands of a Greek priest, that having received it in undoubted succession from the Apostles, he may be authorized to administer baptism in its ancient purity to all his brethren on this side of the Atlantic.

XVI PREFACE.

The author has been careful not to be too original. In historic works originality is always to be suspected. As far as he is aware, the author has made no facts; but only stated those which, by diligent research, he found already in existence. In many cases the writer has preferred to give statements in the very words of the authors he has quoted, as being far more satisfactory than re-writing them. Robinson erred in this, and impaired the confidence which would otherwise have been placed in his statements. The author had also another reason ; it was, that he might afford to many who do not possess the original works, specimens of the various ecclesiastical writers in different ages of the world.

The author now commends his labours to his brethren, and to Christians in general who prefer the truth to gold or fame, to ecclesiastical associations, or private friendship; but, above all, to the blessing of Him who is emphatically the truth, and who alone can render this effort in any measure effectual to set the minds of his people free from the delusions of error, and thus to promote the ultimate union of all the lovers of Jesus in one glorious visible organization, as they are now one in heart.

Philadelphia, August 25th, 1840.

HISTORY OF BAPTISM.

Chapter I. Import Of The Term Baptizo

SECTION I.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES RELATING TO THE MEANING OP WORDS.

The inquirer after historic truth, will readily perceive SECT, that to attain a correct idea of any fact, he must possess Ia clear apprehension of the terms in which the occur- General rence of that fact is stated. The first historic record on ^^"^^P ^^" the subject of baptism, as a moral institute, is by the evangelist Matthew ; " Then went out to him [John] Matt iii. all Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round ' ' about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins." With respect to the character of the persons referred to in this brief narrative, no dispute has arisen ; but it is denied by some that the action performed respecting these persons is defined, further than that water was in some method applied to the persons spoken of. On the other hand, it is maintained, that the term baptize^ from the Greek baptizo^ specifically designates and requires the act of immersion, and admits of no other. It is important that this question should first 2

IMPORT OF THE TERM.

CHAP.

I. Imperfeclion of language

Variety of meanings.

Primitive and ordinary.

be decided ; and therefore, although the course of the history will throw additional light on this point, it will be desirable at once to adduce those arguments which are philological rather than historical, that the inquirer may have his mind cleared from all difficulty, or at least be better prepared to judge of the bearing of history on this point.

That language, as hitherto constituted, has, in all ages, proved in many cases but an imperfect medium for the communication of ideas, will not be denied. This arises mainly from the employment of one word in various senses. Yet it is rare that the connection, or other circumstances, leave any material difficulty in determining in what sense the word is to be used. It is also to be observed that some words have been subjected to a great variety of meanings, while others have retained in all circumstances their original signification.

Of the varied meanings of words, the following are the most important, and more than sufficient for the present investigation. 1. Primitive, or original. 2. Ordinary. 3. Metaphorical, or figurative. 4. Technical.

The primitive signification is the earliest to which any word can be traced, whether it be native to the language of the author, or of foreign origin. In some instances, the primary and ordinary meanings are identical, in others they widely difl^er. Of the former kind, iimnerse^ from the Latin immergo^ affords an instance ; of the latter, prevent^ from prevenio^ the primary meaning of which is to go before, but the ordinary, to hinder. It is manifest, however, that the meaning of a word, in any given case, is not to be determined by its original sense, but by its actual ordinary meaning in the language in which the author wrote, and that at the time of his

GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 15

writing; unless the circumstances in which the word SECT, occurs require a figurative or technical signification, ^' (which may also include the ordinary,) to be attached.

Figurative meanings arise from a variety of causes. Figurative. Sometimes the figure involves but a slight change from the original or ordinary meaning, in other cases it bears but little resemblance to the original ; as in the verb to contract, (from the Latin contraho,) the original meaning is simply to di^aw together; the ordinary, to abridge, or make less; the figurative, or technical, to make a bargain. By far the most frequent occasion of the figurative use of words, is when terms purely physical in their origin, are applied to intellectual or moral purposes ; for instance, firmness refers originally to the hardness and solidity of matter, but figuratively to decision of mental character ; levity, originally, refers to the small proportion which the quantity of matter, in any given body, bears to its bulk ; but figuratively, to the absence of proper steadiness, intellectual or moral. As a general principle, little assistance can in general be derived in defining the physical and original meaning of a term by referring to the figurative or metaphorical sense in which it has been used. Take the verb to bridle; how can any disquisition on the proper regulation of our conversational powers, help the young equestrian to understand how he is to put the bit in his horse's mouth ? In some instances, however, the figure can only accord with a definite literal meaning.

Technical meanings, (requisite for purposes of law, Technical, physic, or the arts and sciences,) are usually selected as occasion may arise, from some foreign language ; but in some instances terms already in use receive a technical sense. A conveyance, (from the Latin conveho,) is originally tiw act of conveying from one place to another ;

CHAP, ordinarily, the carriage in which transportation takes ^- place ; technically, a deed transferring property froni one person to another. Yet with ail these varieties, it is scarcely possible any intelligent reader could doubt whether an author meant to designate a stage coach or a parchment deed, unless his mind were warped by the question affecting some important interest with which he was connected. There are cases, however, in which no possible difficulty can occur, because the ordinary meaning is included in the technical, and the original external act constitutes an essential part of its newly appropriated or technical sense.

General One more general observation on the meaning of

and speci- words will sufficc. In all languages there are words of a more specific, and others of a more vague signification. It will be reasonable to presume, therefore, that where an author designs to represent an action, without defining the mode, he uses a general term ; but where he intends specifically to designate the precise mode of action, he will be found to use a word corresponding to his object.

Let these plain principles be applied to the term haptizo^ as used by the New Testament writers, and even by the Greek classics, and I apprehend the result will leave no doubt on the mind of the candid inquirer. I will not, however, anticipate his convictions by making that application before the facts, as to the use of the term, both in sacred and profane writers, have been fully laid before him.

GREEK CLASSICS. 17

Section II. Meaning Of Baptizo In The Writings Of The Greek Classics

It is a happy circumstance that but one Greek term SECT, has been employed with reference to the ordinance of baptism. The word hajptx) is never found in this con- BctTTa. nection ; yet much time has been needlessly expended in this controversy respecting it. While, indeed, it was contended that the termination zo was a diminutive^ and therefore that baptizo must designate something less than hapto, it might have been of some consequence; but since this position has been abandoned as untenable,^ the question simply is, what is the act the term baptizo designates ? It may, however, be proper to observe, that while bapto was used frequently for dyeings and colouring in various methods, this is never the case with baptizo.^

a ** I should incline to give the word the meaning, to cause to come into that state, and this idea is favoured bj the termination, «o." — President Beeclier^s import of the term haptizo. Bib, Repos., Jan, 1840, p. 48.

^ " Bapto is never used to denote the ordinance of baptism, and haptizo never signifies to dye. The primitive word hapto has two significations, the primary to dip^ the secondary to dye. But the derivative is formed to modify the primary only ; and in all the Greek language, I assert that an instance is not to be found ia which it has the secondary meaning of the primitive word. If this assertion is not correct, it will be easy for learned men to produce an example in contradiction. That hapto is never applied to the ordinance of baptism, any one can verify who is able to look into the passages of the Greek Testament, where the ordinance is spoken of. Now, if this observation is just, it overturns all those speculations that explain the Word, as applied to baptism, by an

2*

CHAP. That the primitive meaning of baptizo is to immerse

I.

or dip^ is conceded by all the advocates of sprinkling of Bavt/^o). any pretension to philological knowledge ; and the fact mmerse. ^^^^ ^^ lexicographers, ancient and modern, concur in this opinion, precludes discussion.

The ordinary^ or general meaning, throughout the Greek classics has been established by Gale, Stennett, Gill, Booth, Carson, Ripley, Judd, and others, beyond the possibility of successful dispute. Hundreds of instances in which the word can possibly admit of no other meaning, have been quoted at length. On this point Bib. Rep, the acknowledgment of President Beecher may super- ^* ' sede the necessity of reference to the passages them-

selves ; " I fully admit that in numerous cases it clearly denotes to immerse, in which case an agent submerges, partially or totally, some person or thing. Indeed this is so notoriously true, that I need attempt no proof. Innumerable examples are at hand, and enough may be found in all the most common discussions of this subject."

allusion to dyeing ; for the primitive word that has this secondary meaning is not applied to the ordinance ; and the derivative word, which is appointed to express it, has not the secondary signification o^ dyeing, Bapto has two meanings; baptizo in the whole history of the Greek language, has but one. It not only signifies to dip or immerse, but it never has any other meaning. Each of these words has its specific province into which the other cannot enter ; while there is a common province in which cither of them may serve. Either of them may signify to dip generally ; but the primitive cannot specifically express that ordinance to which the derivative has been appropriated ; and the derivative cannot signify to dye, which is a part of the province of the primitive. The difference is precise and important. Most of the confusion of ideas on both sides of the question, with respect to the definite meaning of the word baptism, has arisen from overlooking this diflference." — Baptism, in its Mode and Subjects Considered. By Alexander Carson^ A. M. p. 13.

GREEK CLASSICS. 19

Mr. Beecher, however, with Professors Stuart, Woods, SECT, and others, thinks that in a few instances in the writings ^^' of the Greek classics haptizo has been used in a sense Presumed in which immersion cannot be fairly implied. The ^^^^^^^^^'^^^ reader shall judge with what propriety this conclusion is inferred from the premises.