Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1843-07-01
ron TIE ANxNIcAN.
REVIEW OF REV. HALLS COMMUNICATION
Mode OF Raptlsuo.

Mode OF Baptism.
Twill now bid farewell to the Rev Gentle
man and his labors by running commentary
on his gratutous and irrelevant assertions. II
It should be necessary to continue the cortro-
versy, will explain the particular reason for
noticing them to any that cannot uPprehend it.
am well convinced that the mode of baptism
to prolong controversy upon it. There are,
however two reasone which will induce me to
battle on this point inst as long as any pugna.
cious Baptist may desire. The first is, to dis
embarrass weak minds of any difficulty on the
subject, or to prevent such from being troubled;
and the second is, in order to convince tho
roughly the community that the Baptsts have
more zeal than knowledge in this matter, and
tar more faith than charity, and thus render
their proselyting efforts odous in the estima-
ton Of all correct minds.
MIR. Hall, after announcing that the mode Of
baptism has two sides, quotes proverb by
which he intends to convey the idea, that he
has more knowledge than his opponent. Twill
also quote one, without application: "Seest
thou man wise in his own conceit there is
more hope ofa fool than ofhim."-Prov. 26, IL.
After thus implying his superiority, he, with
affected humility, acknowledges his diffidence
to enter the field of controversy with one ap-
parently so learned but still, he reoices in the
opportunity Of "opposing error, and vindicatlng
christian BAPTISM" 1t would be a blessing to
him, and for the peace Of the church, if the
Baptists would learn to graduate their joy ac-
cording to the value Of the objects which should
excite it, and not keep up standing water
jubilee to the annoyance of all other christian
sects, and the danger of their own selt-deluson.
A difficulty, however, he says, meets him at
the outset, and that is, 10 exhibit Che ought 10
have said, to prope) unpopular truths in the
face of popular errors" That is, he foresees
it to be Herculean task to make all people
believe as the Baptists do. Verify he need to
be frightened at his undertaking; and, for his
comfort, can tell him that his effort is about
ne ridiculous as the mountain that labored, and
brought forth a mouse. What a pity that
nearly all the learned and pious in the world
are in error as to the mode Of baptism Sure
ly it is most charitable work in Mr.. Hall and
his brethern to put them right! They are en-
titled to high consideration along with the
sisters of charity in the Romish Church They
deserve vote Of thanks from the whole chris
tian world!
He then utters truism, that we are all the
creatures of strong prejudices. But he imme
diately excepts the Baptists from the predica.
ment, for, he hopes and confidently believes
that his readers will examine and weigh the
arguments he is about to adduoe, and yield tc
conviction-that is, become Baptsts. All the
world have their prejudices. Very true Mr.
Hall. But the Bap;ists have no prejudices
No! No! They are governed by reason ant
truth altogether what vanity. what Mr.
Hall, have you no prejudices against sprinking
and pouring What! baptist have no pre-
judice in favor Of immersion No one but ,
baptist will believe this. Why, baptist is al
prejudce-a perfect monomaniac--a man o
one idea. He thinks, talks, dreams, acts abou
scarcely any thing else than going down int,
the water. A baptist not prejudced !
white crow. indeed
Mr. Hal. also exclaims against the bicotry q
all other sects, because they cannot see will
his eyes. Bigotry lfthere is sect on tn,
face of the earth, deserving of this charge, il il
the Baptists. A more straight ked-tight
laced sect is not to be found in christendom
Look at the facts and then say who are bipot
ted. We are willing to let the baptists in
dulge their opinion as to the mode, and con
slider it sufficient, though they never can prov
it from the scriptures. We consider the mod
test about it, provided they would cease to al
tack ours, which we have besought them agai
and again to do, as they would value christia
peace and charity. But our entreaties are a
in vain; and they cease not to oppose and rid
cule our practice Now, look at the other sid
of the picture. The Baptists draw a broad lin
of distinction between themselves and all othe
denominations--deny them title to member
ship in the visible church--retuse all commun
on with them at the Lords table, the Feast
Love-refuse to cooperate with them in sprea,
ing their common Bible through the world, d.
nounce their conscientious opinions about ba
tism, keep upa continual excitement in Il
christian world, and compass sea and land
the disturbance of other churches, and of Il
peace Of families, in order to make proselyt
TO an immaterial point Of faith Who are Il