The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-10-18


office. But the memory of his worthy example
will be long fragrant, and we will thank God for
such life, crowned by an end so peaceful and
blessed
DIR. DALE's FORTHCOMING VOLUME.
A very judicious correspondent has given in this
paper Just estimate of the Contributions which
DR.. Dale has made on the subject CT Baptism
We have received from the publishers, VIM. Rut-
ter & Co.. Of Philadelphia, some Of the sheets in
advance, of the third volume Of the authors great
work, to which he has devoted so long and effect
ualy his ripe scholarship and laborious investga-
ton. The forthcoming volume is intended to dis
cuss the Baptism of John, aud it may be looked
for with the greater interest from the fact that 1t is
in connection with this work Of the forerunner of
the Saviour we meet for the FIRST time with the
Greek word Japtidzo, as employed by inspired
men; and the related words baptiStes and Japtsn1a
here occur for the first time ir any writings
This fact the author properly remarks, lis of
the highest Importance Il is an assertion by in
| spred writers of the highest sovereignty, within
the realm and laws Of language. to use, to modify,
or to form words according the exigeuces created
by the utterance of inspired truth. No thoughtful
man viii claim for inspired men an arbitrary au
thority over the usage or meaning of words. And
no wise man viii attempt to etter these writers to
a sterile usage Of words and meanings antedating
the fruitful thoughts Of inspiration, With the
most unbouuded confidence in the ipSiSSnla Uerba
of inspiration as well chosen words having pre-
else meaning which may be learned with the use
of proper helps without and within the Scriptures,
in the docie looking for light unto their only wise
Author, viii endeayor, thus, to learn the Scrip
sural meaning and usage of that word which is the
special end of this inquiry"
Only few pages of the volume proper have met
our eye and all that can be said at present is that
| if Dr. Dale conducts this part OF the discussion
with any thing like the ability which so signally
marks the preceding volumes-Classic and Judaic
Baptism-he will offer another contribution to the
illogical literature which will make the Church of
Christ at large his debtor. He is constructing a
monument Of learning and argument which is per
picking our Baptist brethren exceedingly, the force
of which they feel so deeply that it may be truly
declared they have hardly made any thing desery
7 ing the name Of an effort to overthrow It,
OF the 50 pages which have been sent US, nearly
all, viz TO- are taken up with an Introductory
examination Of criticisms aud of>some things ada
cent. This examination, as similar exercise in
the preceding volume, is exceedingly entertaining
to all who relish polemical gymnastics conducted
fairly and thoroughly Most Of the Baptist writer's
who have, in a small way, reviewed DR.. Dale seem
to have been 'fo-e ordained to the condemnation
of getting mad But the good DIR. never loses his
temper and bides his time. To see his adyersaries
taken up one by one, laid upon the table and sub
ected to the dissectiDg knife, is enough to make
the spectator nervous if were not that the operator
does his work in a style Of the "mildost hammered
man who ever took off the limb of fellow mortal
Our brethren OF the Religious Herald who, I'M
like some Others, gave the author courteous no,
tice, receive in return courteous reply-but one
which is at the same time little impinging. A
part Of it we here quote:
"The Religious Herald concluded long review
Of Classic Baptism by saying, We can only promise
that should life, and strength, and opportunity be
allowed us, and should we be able to procure the
forthcoming volumes, we will give them a candid
notice. Here, tor the present, we take respectful
leave of Mr. Dale.
Willing to submit the results of our inquiry to any
fair criticism, and especially pleased TO have the in
telhgent judgment Of those holding different views,
this proposal Of the Herald to review Judaic Bap-
tsm, should life, and strength, and opportunity
allow, and book be procurabe, was met by for
warding an early copy of that work. But somehow
or other there was no review. The reason assigned
was, not that copy not procurable; its recep-
ton was acknowledged. 1t not that life, or
strength, or opportunity had proved treacheTous
but time, and space and inclination were lacking.
How this latter trio happened to take the place OF
the former tripet | cannot say. The case, how
ever is mainly remarkable only as being ditto to
number of other cases. Copies of Judaic Baptism
were sent to leading Baptist periodicals. but if one
OF them Except the Religious Herald has done so
much as to acknowledge the reception of copy, 1t is
more than has come to my knowledge. Every one
must select their own line Of policy And if this be
the policy of the friends of the theory, no one has
right to interfere with it. And the discourtesy of
interfering with it even in appearance, by sending
copy of the present volume will, probably, not be
committed"
The present volume is to be followed by fourth
on Christian Baptism, which will complete the
discussion. The work in its present form will be
q great store house Of facts and arguments on the
Baptist controversy. 1t will give our brethren of
that Church an abundance to think and speak and
write about over and under the water for many
year. But these large volumes will be read chiefly
by ministers, and the few others who feel able to
follow the author in his learned labors, When
the whole is finished, We hope the substance will
be condensed into a single volume suited in every
respect for general circulation. 1t would do good
work in demolshing the web of sOphistry and error
which well-meaning but mistaken men have zeal
ously woven around one of the Sacraments insti
tuted by Christ, and by which they have mised so
many others.