Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-10-18

On the contrary, we are sure he did not.
Here is the proof: "When, therefore, the
Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that
Jesus made and baptized more disciples than
John, Ohough Jesus himself baptized not,
but his disciples) he left Judea." John
iv:I, 2. The inspired author adds the words,
Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his
disciples" to prevent any one from conclud-
ing that Jesus did, or commanded to be done,
everything that bis disciples did.
After the disciples of Christ began to bap-
tize, Johns baptism fell into disrepute among
the people. Even Johns disciples began to
leave him. Andrew left him, and possibly
John. These became disciples of Jesus. See
John, i:35-40 1t is probable that John
baptized Andrew, and John Gf he we're the
other disciple that left John the baptist
and followed Jesus) but there is not a par
ticle of evidence that any of the rest we're
baptized by any one. It is certain that they
we're not baptized by Jesus himself, nor by
his command.
There is not one particle of evidence that
Jesus, prior to his resurrection, commanded
any one to baptize any individual by any
mode whatever. His instructions to the twelve
and to the seventy, are full and minute
They are told how they must act what they
must do, and what they must not do; how
they would be received and in one word,
every thing connected with their mission but
not single sentence, word, or even allusion
is made to baptism. There is no doubt about
their baptizing, immersing, dipping or plung-
ing, but by whose command did they do this?
Not by the command of Christ. Ifso, there
is no record of it. y - -
After the resurrection of Christ, we find
repeated commands given to the disciples to
baptize. "Jesus came and spake unto them
saying, all power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing-or itnmersirg, if it is de-
sired-them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" Matthew,
xviii :1S, 19; also Mark, xvi 16; Acts,
ii: 3S; x:4S; XVI: 16 We positively de-
clare that, previous to the resurrection Of
Christ, he gave his disciples no instruction
whatever respecting baptism.
When he began his ministry, he found the
practice among the Jews. 1t was harmless in
itself. He found the Jews using "wine" and
sop" in observing the passover feast. The
use of neither the "wine" nor the "sop" was of
divine appointment. Our Saviour found the
people using both, and chose one as an en-
blem of his blood. Neither the baptism Of
John nor of Christ's disciples, previous to his
resurrection, was Christian baptism. Neither
we're commanded by Christ, and neither we're
in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Ghost So far as we are inform.
ed by the Scriptures, we do not know that
either Johns baptism or the baptisms Of
Christ's disciples, prior to his resurrection,
was in the name of either person of the God.
head.
In reply to this, John, 1 33 may be quo.
ted "And knew him not: but he that sent
me to baptize with water, the same said unto
me, upon whom thou shalt see the spirit de
scending, and remaining on him, the same is
he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost"
In verse 81 of the same chapter, it is said,
"And 1 knew him not; but that he should be
manifest to Israel, therefore, am l come bap-
tizing with water" Let the reader look at
this 31st verse dispassionately., Does John
say he was sent to baptize? No. Suppose
John had not baptized, but simply proclaim
ed, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert highway for
our God." Qs. xl :3,) what law would he
have violated? Where is that law recorded /?
Where is it said in any Of the promises con.
cerning the Messiah, that he would be prece-
ded by Elias or John baptizing or immersing ?
We ask where! and echo replies where ?
There is no law on the subject That is the
whole of it. II came," says John, "baptiz-
ing,"-not was sent to baptize. In the 33rd
verse, John is speaking not about baptizing
or immersng the multitudes, but about how
he would know him who would baptize with
the Holy Ghost.
Now what took place when Jesus was bap-
tized- Cor immersed, if that word he prefera-
ble-by John Why, the Holy Ghost de-
scended upon him like dove. The Holy
Ghost had pointed out the Lamb of God to
John. In this miraculous or supernatural
way, John was enabled to distinguish Jesus
from one of the multitude. So soon as Jesus
was baptized or immersed, by John, he began
his public ministry. Then and there he was
filled with the Holy Ghost, and returned from
Jordan and commenced his contest with the
devil. Lukeiv:1. At Jordan, we honestly
believe, Jesus was washed, baptized, dipped,
immersed or plunged-we care nothing for the
worldly John, and thus publicly indicted
into the Office of Priest. Hence God cent
John to baptize Jesus, and not the people.
It will be remembered that Jesus did not
follow John, or even remain with him ; but
was "led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to
be tempted of the devil" Matthew iv: 1.
From the wilderness he was led by the tempt
or into the holy city and set on pinnacle of
the temple. From pinnacle of the temple,
he was taken up into an exceeding high
mountain and shown all the Kingdoms of the
world and the glory of them. After Satan
had exhausted all bis powers, he left Jesus,
and angels came aud ministered unto him.
God now publicly recognized him as his son,
and as priest forever, after the order of Mel
chisedec.