The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-11-19

The world has heard great many diverse
teachings about Christian baptism. The
question, "When was it first administered! Z"
has had various answers. Some say, Dur
ing the time of John the Baptist's ministry.
Some say, During the time of Christ's
ministry" And many others swing back
and forth between these two opinions. The
question can be decided definitely, and this
is the object Of this article. l do not pro-
pose to present an array of worldly wisdom
in this matter, and would not do so, even
though were the wisest of the wise. For
the truths Of the kingdom of God are not
found in this way. The word Of God is the
only rule Of faith and practice. Then by
this alone let our decisions be made. He
who goes beyond this or stops short of it, as
sure to teach error in some degree or form. In
strict accord with this belief, this article Is
written. By the unaided teachings of the
word Of God, four propositions are proved
/. There is no record to show that Christ
did formally institute the Sacrament of bap.
tism until after His resurrection.
Opinions as to the character Of the bap-
tism administered by John and by the disci-
pies of Christ, are entirely foreign to the
subject. do not ask for any human opin-
ion, but for one single record in Gods word
to show that the Sacrament of baptism was
formally instituted by Christ at any time be-
fore His resurrection. There is no such
record. Therefore, without further argu-
msnt, this proposition stands good. Look
and see
,. The rite administered first by John the
Baptist, and afterwards by him and the dis
eiples of Jesus, was not Christian baptism.
If assertions to the contrary can over
throw this proposition, it is done. But as
sertions made by mere men, never Proue any
thing. What was John the Baptist2 Did
his father, priest "Of the course Of Alba,
whose wife was of the daughters of Aaron"
know? He says, Luke i: 76, g And thou
child, shalt be called the Prophet of the
Highest" Did Jesus Christ know? He
SAYS that John was a Prophet, Matt. xi: 9.
Luke vii: 2S. And moreover, that though
he was the greatest of all prophets, yet "he
thar is least in the kingdom of God, is greater
than he" So also in Luke xvi: 10, Jesus
classes him with "the Law and the Pro-
phets, and says that "since that time the
kingdom Of God is preached" Since what
timel Evidently since Johns time. For
his message was, not that the kingdom Of
God, or gospel dispensation had come, but,
Repent ye; for the kingdom Of heaven is
at hand, that is, near, just upon you. So
the question as to who John was, is answered
by the inspired word.
What 1cas his p,issioR and baptism The
same word shall answer. Did inspired Mat
thew know! He says Gii: 8, "The voice
Of one crying prepare ye the way Of
the Lord, make his paths straight" Die
Mark know? He says 4: A. John die
baptizs in the wilderness and preach the
baptism of repentance, for the remission O.
SINS So Matthew Gn; ?, tells us tha
John said, g. indeed baptize you with water
unto repentance" Did Paul know? He told
about twelve. of Johns disciples, Acts
xix: 1, " John verify baptized with wate
unto repentance" May we not believe sucl
vitnessesg None Of them place John in tn
New DispensatiOn; and Christ draws an ex
press contrast between him and even L" tn
least in the New DispensatiOn. Indeed il
Johns day, there had been no New Dispen
sation established. It's establishment de
pended upOn the resurrection Of Christ, AM
so could not take place until the resurrection
had proved Him to be true.
AS to Johns baptism, We should motto
shat our inspired witnesses never speak of
s. Christian baptism, but as Johns baptism
snd the baptism Of repentance " Wher