The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-11-21
"YOU HIT ME,
So You Did," Argument Advanced
by Mr.. Thornquest.

YOU NIL NE,
So You Did," Argument Advanced
by Mr.. Thornquest.
To THE GAZETTE: With your per-
mission now address myself to the
remainder of Mr.. Beers article in The
GAZETTE of Oct. II. In reply to my
question, "Do you believe the script
ures to teach that persons can be
graduated as Christians by the pro-
cess of confirmation7" Mr.. Beer puts
this question in an unfair light by
referring to the act of the laying on
of hands. What had reference to is
the custom of the Episcopal church
to put the children through a course
of lessons in the catechism and upon
their being able to answer some ques-
tons henceforth consider them as
Christians. Of such a procedure
there is no trace in the scripture.
This regulates the matter of becom-
ing Christian to the plane of becom-
ing college graduate with a degree
of A. B. attached to his name regard
less of his character. I have gone
through the process myself when I
stood in the UNCONVENTIONAL ranks,
and at the close of it I was given a
certificate testifying tnat was en-
titled to membership in any church OF
that denomination, although 1 told
the pastor shortly before confirmation
day that I had not submitted to
Christ and consequently was not a
Christian. So, Bro. Beer, don't mis-
construe my statements, for you ask
that we IDEAL honestly and fairly
with one another in our search for
truth" Laying on of hands" and
confirmation, as I used the latter
term, are two entirely different things.
I know you will gladly acknowledge
this correction, for our own desire is
to arrive at the truth of the matter.
Bro. Beer, don't forget for moment
that it is useless to send me to any of
the sects to inquire concerning the
Importance of any theological ques-
ton. To the bible, and the bible only,
do I appeal, and if it makes much of
any question then I'll do likewise.
Don't you think it sounds too much
like the little boys saying, "You hit
me, so you did," when you give vent
to such expressions as, "Of course
since Mr.. Thornquest says they are
of minor importance they must be-,
and, "all the knowledge of the bible
does not rest in Mr.. Thornquest's
head" It is the truth for which we
are seeking and let us spare no effort
in our search and count ourselves
happy because of the opportunity.
In reply to my question, "You don't
for moment believe that the script
ures teaches infant membership in the
church, do yous" you reply that
Christ was made a member of his
church when eight days old. Now
how can this be seeing that Christ's
church was not established until ate,
his own ascension? You know that
the Jewish dispensation ended with
Christ's death and that the Christian
dispensation then began, the dispen.
sation under which we to-day are liv.
ing. The ordinances and regulations Of
the Jewish dispensation are at an end
But Christ was Jew and was
obedient in all things unto the Law
of Moses. Consequently he was cir
cumcised on the eighth day, and this
is what you called "being made q
member of his church." What bear.
ing does this have on the question ]
asked! Christ also observed the pass
over feasts, the Jewish sabbath, etc.
It is of the utmost importance thai
all things said in public be right tt
the point and show a longing desire
to learn and teach the truth. If I fai
in this / ask to be informed of it in {
brotherly spirit. Doctrine is of conse
quence only as it forms the basis o.
character. ERNEST THoRNQUEsT.
Excelsior, Nov. 7.
COMMISSION APPOINTED.
But M01ffgdng Mels Entered q
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