Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1836-08-18

doubt not many have taken before me- |
resolved to dismiss the subject and close
my mind against conviction. conclud-
ed was on forbidden ground-that had
no right TO question the correctness of
such a host of Pedo-Baptist divines and
churches. More than this, my dear pa
rents and numerous train Of relatives
were all ofthe same profession. If I qoere
In an error, how could l face such food
Of censure and opposition as must meet !?
lstrove to silence. enquiry, but in vain
Gods word sounded in my ears and thrill
ed through my heart repent and be hap
'tized-he that belieFeth and is baptized
If thou believest with all thy heart thou
mayest," &c. In these instances, as in
every othe- recorded in the New-Testa-
'ment, belief in Christ is required before
baptism.
began seriously to doubt the validity
of my infant sprinkhng; and as baptism
must be a prerequisite to communion, of
course had no right to the Lords table.
l was troubled and perplexed, but made
this resolve, that no human being should
know what was passing in my mind un-
til l was convinced what my duty was
Last summer l was in company with a
student Of Middlebury College-a Con
gregational professor-who related fact
which took place within his personal
knowledge: A member went to his pas
tor, told HIM he was in trouble about in
FAINT baptism, and wanted he should relieve
his anxiety. His pastor tod him there
was not a command or example within
the lids Of the Bible for infant baptism
Here was the broad assertion again, and
that too from a Congregational minister
more than seventy years Of age, who had
spent his life in the study Of his Bible
At that time the combined testimony of ev-
cry Baptist in the universe could not have
had such weight on my mind. 1t came
with irresistible force. l Immediately
left the room, filled with painful emotions,
and resolved if possible TO have the ques-
ton settled in my own mind. Iprayed
for the direction Of the Holy Spirit and
light from Gods word but was con-
scious there was a latent request in my
mind, that God would rot show me that
the Baptiets were right!
NV mind was overwhelmed with
Egyptian darkness, perplexing doubts
and fears were my companions night and
day. Isoon became sensible that | was
striving agaipstthe, command Of God and
the conviction of my mind, and shrinking
from the Cross ofChrist. This made me
wretched indeed 1t was not till l could
cast myself at the feet ofthe Cross, and in
the sincerity of my soul cry out, Lord
what wilt thou have me do, what wilt
thou have me be, that received any light
or peace. The answer was, arise and be
baptized, why tarriest thou? l then re-
solved that If God would spare my life l
would obey his command, though earth
and hell should obstruct my way. This
transaction was between God and my own
soul. No human being had any knowl-
edge of my feelings at this time-no, not
my husband, though | knew he was OK
aiming the same subject with close at
tenton.
And now my sister please to compare
these facts with the charges, from my
former church, that never would have
changed my sentiments, had l not been
made the dupe Of a few designing Bap-
lists. This charge is wholly Incorrect
The Baptists knew not our feelings till
we made them known OF our own accord
We have not dlssented from our former
church without our reasons. Baptism
as Christian ordinance, cannot be found
in the Old Testament. To the gospel
then we must 90 for this ordinance. Ev.
erv administration there recorded was tc
believers.
The baptism of our Savior was lively
emb, EN- Of his death and resurrection, also
of his overwhelming suffering, which
pouring or sPrinkling would poor y rep
resent. Paul says, as ye have been bur,
led with him in baptism, and as he wa:
raised by the glory of the Father, so we
should walk in newness of life
You saw that Christ took little children il
his arms and blessed them. Very true
but he did not baptize them, for Chris
did not baptize." The church of Chris
is called the light of the world, the salt o
the earth, CITY set on hill that canno
be hid, a ransomed people, holy nation
the redeemed of the Lord. How doe
this description compare with church o
which q large portion are baptized impen
tents, and unconscious babes2 Can it b
; that the Apostles so understood the sub
/ iect, when we consider the whole tenur
of their writings which abound with com
! mands, threaterings, invitations, warn
= ines and reproof, to guide and direct them
D and not SOLITARY word about baptizin!
$ any bat believers2
d We know there were three household
$ baptized. Of one it is said they wer
; taught, believed, were baptized, and re
d ioiced in God. Another are called brett
e rem. The third were the first fruits