The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1898-07-15

nations that were once fierce rivals.
The fact is there are but two things
that are today dividing the Protestant
churches that are questions of princi-
pie, and these are baptism and apos-
tolic succession. There remains then
the question of baptism. A large
part OF Protestant Christianity holds
that infant baptism is contrary to the
teaching of the New Testament.
They say that it has historically been
associated with the doctrine of baptis-
NAL regeneration, and has been a
great source of corruption in the
church. For it has been associated
with superstitious or magical con-
ception of salvation, and has been a
powerful agency in building up eccle-
siasticism contrary to the spirit of the
teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.
Without, discussing the merits of
the question it is sufficient to say that
the question is undeterminate.
That is, men of equal piety and
scholarship decide differently on the
presentation of the evidence.
But it is noteworthy from the
standpoint of Congregationalist
that the last national council re-
manded the clause relating to infant
baptism from the council creed. And
think more would be satisfied with
some form of conservation and dedi-
cation Of children without a formal
baptism. For no intelligent person
can believe that the mere repetition
of the baptismal formula and the ap-
plication or few drops of water,
changes the destiny of a child who
knows not it's right hand from the
left. There remains the form of bap-
tism. The Immersionists believe
that Jesus and the Apostles intended
to teach by the word .baptize that
baptism was always to be by submer-
sion in water. They see in this form
symbol Of death to the old life, and
resurrection to new life in Christ.
Others finding as they believe no ex-
press directions regarding the form
and believing it contrary to the spirit
OF Jesus and the apostles to insist up
on form as condition of Christian
fellowship, adopt sprinkling as form
betUer suited to the hygenic and
social customs of our time. They
feel in so doing they are carrying out
the spirit OF Christ. What can be
done about removing this barrier to
church unity? The Christian church
attempted it in this way: They said
there is no dispute that immersion is
BAPTISM; there is a dispute about
sprinkling and pouring therefore let
us unite on immersion. But they do
not insist upon immersion as condi-
dition of admission to the I ord's
supper. Many Baptists, too. are TAX
ing this position. But both insist up.
on submersiOn as condition of
church membership. The Christian
position seems fair. Unite upon the
undisputed.
So according to our traditions as
congregationalists we could not give
up the liberty which our fathers have
handed down to US, the breadth Of
sew and comprehensiveness into
which we have come by legitimate
evolution of the principles Of the
Puritans.
We ought not to shut out those
whom we believe Christ would in
clude. Paul did not insist upon uni
formity of belief or practice, nor
should We. So we Congregationalists
are practically union church. Indi-
viduals and churches are given the
largest liberty. Our motto is: Zone
is your master, all ye are brethren"
Our policy seems loose to many but
that fellowship we have preserved
the evangelical faith as we'll as were
compactly organized denominations.
The question of baptism is not dis
cussed by US, only so + as is neces-
sary to give reason for the faith
that is in US. because the form is to
us immaterial. But our liberty to
recognize and fellowship every
Christian, whether he is immersed or
sprinkled is a liberty we hold most
precious, and this we will never give
up for the sake of organic unity.
Liberty and loYe'are the consummate
fruit Of the gospel that Paul preached.
At the close of the sermon Rev. Mr..
Edmands outlined plan of practical
cooperation or union between Con-
gregationalist and the Christian de-
nomination which may be printed
later.
Judge Wilson made an order admit
ting the will of Daniel Kopischke to
probate: an order for the executor Of
same to give bond; issued letters tes-
tamentary to Christina Kopischke in
estate of same; made order for hear
l..