Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-06-28


infant amongst them, but incontestible
proof to the contrary. II Paido bap-
lists cannot get stronger grounds than
these, upon which 10 rest their argu-
ments for infant sprinkling, why not,
like honest men, give il up and cease
to advocate doctrines calculated to
misead and delude the uniformed,
who unfortunately place toe much re-
lance upon the teachings oil the Cler-
gy.
And now, Mr.. Editor, ! must
say, that although | feel assured that
the preceding arguments of our Pal
do baptist friends, as set forth by Ere
viewer" are founded in the grossest
error; yet am not surprised that they
are quoted by him, for they are real boz
nalide Paido baptist arguments through
out christendOm. But the next argu-
ment or assertion that he brings for
ward, must confess, astonishes me. 1t
is this, "that history affords incon-
testible evidence that as far back as
we have any authentic records Of the
practice of the church, infant baptism
was never called in question" SIS
this Paido baptist argument in favor
Of infant sprinkIing? Is there an intel
ligent Paido baptist throughout the
length and breadth of the land that be-
lieves il? What! "as far back as we
have authentic record it was never cal
led in question" Had this been as
serted, by the author of the Scripture
guide 10 infant BAPTISM | could
have attributed it to the native weak
ness of the man, a want of historical
information, or an ignorance of what
intelligent Paido baptists believe; but
coming, as it does, from clergy
man ofreputed learning, a man that
has been President of ttCo colleges,
studied Greek SeUen years, and versed
for ought know to the contrary, in
Oriental Literature, and acquainted
with ancient and modern history;I must
confess, | know not what to think of
such recklesness. 1t is not put forth as
his opinion only but as the belief or rath-
er one ground, upon which Paido bap-
lists rest their belief in infant baptism
| Do intelligent Paido baptists believe
that infant baptist was never called in
question by the Fathers? Let US see. A
Paido baptist society ofthe most lear
ned men of the age was formed in Lon
don in the 18th century, for the purpose
OF diving into the depths of antiquity
and bringing to light all the doctrines
and practises of the first Christians that
: would prove beneficial TO the world land
for the purpose Of diffusing this infor-
nation, they published a work called
, the Athenian Oracle. Ii the supple
} ment to this work, (Vol. 4 P. 16D the
following is found:
"Auxentius opposed infant baptis n
and some Paido bap;ists suppose tina
he was the first onposer." The cele
brated Paido baptist Miner inform:
US thai Auxentius died A. D. 374.
: The celebrated Beza colleague o
Calvin says the baptizing of children
t was unheard of in the primitive church
DR.. Hammond says anciently al
; men were instructed in the faith before
S baptism.
b Jacob Mermingus(a Paido baptist,
: Hist. facts p. $50, states that he hac
t confession Of faith Of the Waldenses
e written in the German language, ii
which it was affirmed, ''that in the be-
I ginning Of Christianity there was nc
: oaptizing ofcbildren and their father:
: practised no such thing.
+. DIR. Taylor a learned bishop of the
e church of Eng land, Lib. Proph. p. 237
t says 'rhat il was the opinion of the
r primitive church that infants ought no
j to be baptized.
The great and learned Grotius An
b not. p. POI, says, Infant baptism was
E not enjoined till the council Of Car
: image"
; Luther Extra in Danv. p. 10Y, says
If "Infant baptism was not determined
!, till Pope Innocent's time" What
0 now, Mr.. Editor, becomes ofthe asser,
0 ton of "Reviewer," will he now
= come out.like man, and acknowledge
: his error? Cor will he still continue tc
e assert, that Paido baptists believe that
b "as far back as we have any aulhenti,
history, Infant baptism was never called
e in question:" 1.-The does will he tel
e me what class Of Paido baptists believ,
If this, never having heard of or seer
: any such, unless indeed Reviewer
ot is one Of that class.
} And, Mr.. Editor, lest your Correspondent
r Reviewer" should think that such men a
Ell Beza, Taylor, Hammond, Grotias an
N MerminguS, know little or nothing of thes
r, matters, and acted unwIsely in giving les
e tlmony so directly TO the contrary of hi
reckless assertion.
will give few quotations from som
of the fathers of the Church, by whic
70 he can ascertain that these great an
o. good men wrote, as honest men wei
er compelled TO write, with all the testimon
er staring them in the face upon the subject.