The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-01-16

per, under the direction of Christ. Had
every one been baptized? "You think
SOP" Thinking, decides nothing here,
and may be wrong. What does the
Bible say? Not a word, leading us to
know that each of those first communi
.cants had been baptized Look and see
Christ does make profession of. faith the
prerequisite. No doubt about that
But not one command of His makes bap-
tism, in any special mode, essential. Yet,
here is branch of His Church making
such command; and binding its mem
bers by it-so that parent and child,
brother and sister, husband and wife,
Christian and Christian must not sit at
the same Lords table unless they have
been Immersed. Which is greater, Christ,
or this branch of His Church?
But this is not all. The idea of the
Bible is, that though the Church-which
is the body of Christians many differ
ent members, yet it is all one body. I'm
mersionists do not stop at. immersion.
Methodists will immense, and have many
members who have been immersed-not
only so, bnt who were once members of
the Baptist Church. Yet such Christians
are cut off from the Immersonist supper.
Why? Can there be any reason but
one? They are not members of that
branch of the Church Christ saws all
His people are one. This exclusive view
OF lmmersionists, says: "They are not,
cannot be one, unless conforming TO our
peculiar views" Which is greater?
One out of many, instances of this
working may be given. A lady was
asked by the writer:
Why did you not commune to-day p
She replied, am g. member of the
Baptist Church"
All you believe in close communion,
then"
With tears, she said, "No, sir ! do
not. I think it wrong; and oh 1 did
want to commune with my children to-
day in your church"
"Well, why did you not do so? It
was Christ's table, you are Christs fol-
lower, and He said all His people must
do this in remembrance of Him.
Yes, sir 1 know and feel all that.
But it is against the rules of my Church"
So that settled it "RatleS of mig
Church were stronger than command
of Jesus Christ
A question: Has any Church the right
or authority to bind its members by
law which compels them, not only to
ignore the spirit of Christianity, but also
to disobey command of Jesus Christ?
Once more: We are told that Christ
ordained baptism for believers only"
Therefore, it is argued, that those bap-
tized in infancy have not been baptized
under His command so, have no right
to the Lord supper.
Well to. the Bible for this, also. Where
is the verse or word which says or teach
es that only believers are to be baptized?
1t is not there The whole world is
challenged to produce it So when
Christ makes this law But let man
examine himself; and so let him eat of
that bread, and drink of that cup. Ex-
anime yourselves whether we be in the
faith" and branch of His Church
makes another law: Believe, be i'm
mersed, and hold membership with us
and so let man eat of that bread, and
drink of that cup" again we must ask,
Which is greater? Which is to be obey
ed?
Question If none but believers are to
be baptized, how can ana be baptized
we cdHnoI Teau Cne nearC. Cnurch OIL
GERS have no inspiration to guide their
hands only to believers. If baptism is
for believers only, then even Immersion
aStS break the law. For they have bap-
tized many who proved anything but be-
levers. Christ never made such law.
Others haze made it. Is it true, bind
ing law? Which is greater, Christ or
branch of His Church?
Az EoaIaeioe4iooI Nd c.