Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-10-31
VOL. XII. NO. 6.

that we are entirely dependent upon the
finished work fthe Redeemer for all that
we possess, and for all that we hope to en-.
Joy as christians. The baptized renounces
himself, and in the very act Of baptism,
tells the world that he hangs all his hopes
upon the resurrection of the Son Of God.
Baptism, then, teaches the fundamental
article Of the christian creed in a manner
the most beautiful and striking. II asso-
clates the conversion and resurrection of
the believer with the destiny OF Him, who
was dead. and is alive. and liveth forever
more. The moral influence Of this fact
must be ofthe most Interesting and salu-
tary kind. II will necessarily glorify
Christ and render him more precious to
the hearts of the baptized.
A symbol cannot be changed. II is
one definite thing which cannot be modi-
he'd, to suit the varying circumstances of
man, or the different modes Of his chang
ing mind. Thus all the truly baptized
are baptized in one Icay, with view 10
one great object. They are baptized into
the name of one God, one Savior and one
Spirit. Hence baptism is a binding, har-
monizing ordinance. Ii is a symbol OF
unity, and the baptized oughtlherefore to
be united. They are bound to each 9th.
er by peculiar ties, ties which they can
not forget till they forget their baptism
Here then, is an argument for unity, bar
mony and peace among the baptized fol-
lowers o. Jesus Christian argument, the
validity of which the Apostle Paul has
endorsed by using it in his appeal to the
church at Ephesus. Il therefore, the
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that We
walk worthy of the vocation wherewith
ye are called, with all lowliness and meek
ness. with long suffering, forbearing one
another in love, endeavoring TO keep the
unity of the spirit in the bond Of peace
There is one body and one spirit, even as
We are called in one hope of your calling,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism" How
inconsistent then, nay more, how wicked
It is, for church of baptized believers, to
indulge in jealousies, wrangling and
strife. Brethren, brethren, beware The
vows of God are upon you, and if you de-
stroy the unity ofthe Spirit, and break the
bond of peace, you will, on account Of
your very baptism, receive the deeper
condemnation.
Finally, permit us TO remark, that the
ordinance Of baptism is standing testi-
mony to the truth Of Christs resurrection,
and Of the great principles with which
that event is connected. That baptism
was observed in the early church by be-
levers in all parts of the world, and that
it has continued to be observed by the
great body Of protesting christians for
thirteen centuries, and by a small, but
continually increasing. number OF chris
tians from the thirteenth century to the
present day, is susceptible Of the clearest
demonstration. And that il will continue
to be observed in all ages Of the world
from the present day to the end of time,
cannot admit of moments doubt. Thus
then it constitutes public and permanent
monument of the resurrection of Chris,
and a consequent pledge Of the resurrec-
ton of the body at the judgment of the
great day, monument more durable than
brass, and which the lapse of time will
only render more splendid and imposing.