Smyrna times., 1869-05-12
lFor the Smyrna Tmes."I
BAPTISM AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Dear Mr.. Editor Many a man would be more
oduous ll the tone OF his criticism, if he antcIpa-
ted that his productions would be subjected IN The
crucible. Murphy Maloney was once encouraged
10 attack an electric eel lie laid his hand upon it,
but dropped 1t very suddenly. excIaiming Ugh !
why, the thing nps; | wouldn't ha' toched il. had
thought 1t would bite" So has it been with brother
Stars" and my brief but truthful donominational
Item, furnished your paper few weeks ago I re-
sPectfully submit that the item did not contain
line or sentence sufficiently provoking to Justify an
attack. 1t was only an item of news and was i'm,
-eUeTy toOrd. The only sentence "Stars gives as
untrue and Objectionable is this: "ImmeFsion. bs
GODS one baptism, has won its way into the Meth.
odst church." 1t your readers will refer Ia the
Item, they will understand that the words had
locGL application, and, as such, they tcere true
1hree Methndsts had sought baptism at the hands
OF The baptist minister, and others had expressed
desire and requested a similar service. This ,pas
something neW in the history of the Dover NJ r.
Church. Immersion had won its way among her
membership, and nothing but immersion would
satisfy some of her members They still believe
that Immersion only is scriptura baptism, and re-
gard sprInkling as a "taHe unIncaning and ~
authorized ceremony"
Take the "Stars" provoking expression out of lie
connection and apply it to the NJ. f. Church in
geHeTdI-North and Southland il is true also
METHODIST lmmersIons increase annually. | am Dre-
Pareu To prove this statement true, if denied One
recent instance may be given in this connection
In Quincy, Illinois, few weeks ago. the daily pa
Pers reported the baptism Gmmerson) of sirtv
Methodlsts, by their pastors. There were for,D
others who desired to follow Jesus in his command
and example, but the Methodist ministers were
tired! and these were put off for another time.
repeat, that there was nothing in the assertion
to provoke attack from "Stars." The sentence com.
planned of was true in its local application and true
in the sense understood by "Stars" Bnt "Stars"
nOfhlnm h.
Immersion. l know it does and the copy 1 have
gives Immersion the preference by placing first in
the trio OF Methodist modes. But whoever heard a
Methodist minister (save "Stars'O offer an argu.
ment IN favor OF immersion! have heard them
rdlcule and abuse she ordnance call it vulgar and
indecent, and then offer to immerse the dissatisfied
ones. but have never heard them say one word in
favor OF the hTst mode sanctioned by their Discipline
am persuaded that if Methodist ministers would
deal fairly with their three
pouring, and lmme rsion-giving to each equal
time, and the best scrptural arguments in their
power, zone Lord, faith. and one baptism" would
soon become the order of the day within their de.
nomination. But they do not do this They darken
the counses OF heaven by trying 10 explain away
Gods language and Gods meaning of this ordi- !
nance. And, yet, immersion is winning its way
among them, and the candid inquirer after truth |
learns duty from Jesus command aud example. and
is buried with Christ in baptism" So much then
for the "provOcatOn."
But bro. " Stars has somewhat against mo for
asking him "if he will take the New Testament.
and read the passages referring to the subject of
baptism. and believe with all his heart what thew
say1" He regards this as E" discourteous language
and says am not man to be trusted in de bate
Now. if could see any just cause for an apology
on my part. would certainly offer one, but can.
not think OF seeking pardon for asking brother if
he is willing to let the Word of God settle contra
verted point. AS TO my not being a man TO be
trusted in debate, have only to say that the rules
shaii govern me. and the people shall decide as to
my honesty. | offer TO meet Stars,, in SmvrnS !
where he has hundreds of his Methodist friends TO
see that ne is fairly dealt with, and where | have
but three. Surely could not-cunnot hope. under
these circumstances, to take advantage. Indeed if
o.ars could be induced to meet me Gnylohere, in a
public discussion. should be more gentle with my
tongue than have been with my pen.
But 'Stars" after all, is denlly getting little
nearer TO me-not to fight, but to agree. He says
Inat he as cordially believes the New Testament as
DO. VI course he means the passages referring
10 tho subject in question. Very well. This Is
more ulan ! have ever been able to draw out of