What is baptism?

Front matter

Qass Book

Bxsii v

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Preface

It was announced through the press in the latter part of 1865, that I would publish a book upon the subject of my change of church relations. The manuscript still remains in my bands, and I purpose now, upon the advice of brethren, to use a part of the material that has accumulated, in furnishing a series of articles for the Biblical Recorder. How many numbers will constitute the series, I cannot now say. It will depend upon their reception by the readers of the Recorder^ and the time at my command for condensing, selecting, altering, or re-writing when deemed necessary. The matter for the most part will be drawn directly from the book, although a few items will be introduced which had no influence over me as they have been gathered since I united with the Baptists. They are considered too important to be omitted in the discussion. A great deal will have to be necessarily recast, as its present form renders it unsuitable for a newspaper series. Unless these articles should be estimated as of more value than I anticipate, the discussion will be confined to the Mode of Baptism^ although the subject of Infant Baptism constitutes the larger portion of my manuscript. If any portion of the latter should ever be called for, it will be forthcoming in some form.

If I should be made sensible of any error as to a statement of a supposed fact, or of injustice to any author, the correction will be cheerfully made. I seek for truth, and trust I do not belong to that class of writers who perpetuate an error when convinced it is so. I hope that the same candor and fairness will be manifested by all my readers that I trust animated me whilst searching diligently for the truth. I devoutly pray that G-od may bless and own all the truth that these articles may contain ; and if there be any error, that in mercy He will render it harmless.

Wakrenton, N, C, Nov- 1. 1866.

Introduction

The following articles appeared in the Biblical Recorder^ published at Kaleigh, N. C, and were so favorably received by the Baptists in North Carolina, that the author has concluded to publish them in a more permanent and useful form. In doing this, he only yields to the generally expressed desire of brethren whose good opinion he values, and whose judgment he respects. It is proper to state that the series was prepared somewhat hurriedly from meynoranda which had been collected during a very protracted examination of the much mooted question, ■'■ What is Baptism ?" The articles for the most part have been written in a simple style, without any special attempt at fine writing. He has assurances that they have already done good, aipd he hopes that by being presented in the present form they wall be still farther useful in promoting the ends of truth. He feels iustified in savins:, sustained as he is bv the concurrent opinion of discriminative brethren, that this little volume will J found valuable as a Haxd-Book: upon a subject that is receiving more and more attention at the hands of the wise and learned.

He has made a few emendations and changes in the articles as originally published. Some new matter has been oAded.