Review. A Series of Letters on the Mode and Subjects of Baptism, addressed to the Christian Public. To which is prefixed, a brief account of the Commencement and progress of the Author's trial on those points which terminated in his embracing Believers' Baptism, in a Letter to a friend. Second Edition. With an Appendix, containing Strictures on Mr Moore's Reply By Stephen Chapin, late Pastor of the Congregational Church in Mont Vernon, N. H. Boston, Lincoln & Edmands, 1820. 12mo .pp. 174. WE E are gratified to find that the Christian public has so soon called for a second edition of these "Letters;" and that this edition is enlarged with a valuable "Appendix." We arose from the perusal of this book, with the persuasion, that it was eminently adapted, from its Christian mildness, and from the suavity of its style, to smooth the asperities of party feeling, and to give a happier tone to this important controversy. It is much to be regretted that Christian truth has often been defended with an unchristian spirit; and that energy of execution has been thought incompatible with sweetness of manner. These " Letters, as well as some recently published against Unitarianism, indicate the prevalence, to a certain extent, of better views: and it is devoutly to be wished that the example, thus set, will be followed by all future con troversialists. We are sorry we cannot say as much for the "Reply" to these "Letters." Not that Mr. Moore abounds in the language of virulence; but there is seen a spirit of sly sarcasm, which we think inconsistent with the best feelings of the Christian. Had he exhibited more of the candid and sincere inquirer after truth, his work would have been read with more pleasure and profit. Mr. Moore has some good remarks on the spirit which differing Christians should possess towards each other. "The different shades of opinion," he observes," which characterize different denomina. tions, are calculated to call forth a spirit of forbearance and charity, which assimilate the Christian to his Divine Master. Should believ ers of different views cordially meet and unite at every point of contact; should they coalesce in feeling and exertion in the great things of religion, they would display the spirit of the gospel, and exhibit traits of Christian charac ter in a degree and manner which they could not do, if there were entire sameness of religious opinion." Had Christians always believed this, would the conscientious dissenter have been so often loaded with obloquy and contempt, or overpowered by the rude hand of violence? Would freedom of inquiry and practice be frowned upon as the offspring of licentiousness? If any Protestant is disposed to stigmatize seceders, merely because they are such, we say, let him that is without sin, in this respect, cast the first stone. Pedobaptists often rely for their support of infant baptism, on the circumstance that nothing is said against it in the New Testament. But we know of no one who has made freer use of this negative proof, than Mr. Moore. After taking up his argument at length, Mr. Chapin observes, p. 33, of 1 Appendix, "Here, when you would overthrow my reasoning, you maintain, that from the silence of Christ about circumcision, the Jews would naturally infer that he meant it should be continued; but in page 43 you maintain that the silence of Christ about circumcision, in his commission to the Apostles, would lead them fairly to conclude that he meant it should be dropped' What a potent argument is silence, to what different purposes it may be turned !" Mr. Moore with an apparent determination not to be weak-handed, summons to his aid circumcision and proselyte baptism. We can not blame any man for putting all his forces in requisition, in case of emergency. But it would seem, that in his zeal he somewhat overdid the thing. He no doubt intended to have two strings to his bow; but not considering that he had not materials enough for two, he spoiled both. "If you will maintain," says Mr. Chapin, p. 30, "that Christian baptism succeeds to proselyte baptism, you cannot then, without gross absurdity, say it comes in the lieu of circumcision. That you do infer infant baptism from these two opposite sources is abundantly evident. See p. 57." Mr. Chapin has shown, as we think, that proselyte baptism, the pretended prototype and exemplar of infant baptism, furnishes no argument in favour of infants or sprinkling; and in short, that it is quite irrelevant to the subject. Let every person who has any doubt on this point, read Mr. Chapin for himself. Although Mr. Moore appears willing, at one time, to allow that immersion was almost universal in the first ages of Christianity, yet at another, he seems not a little displeased with his Pedobaptist brethren, who allow that this was the primitive mode. Had Mr. Moore pushed his philological and ecclesiastical researches farther, doubt not, if he is a man of candour, that he would be more willing, than he appears to be at present, to make concessions in favour of im we mersion as the primitive mode. We think we are authorised in making this remark from the fact, that the greatest critics among the Pedobaptists, are those who have made us the most liberal concessions. A short extract, translated from Doctor Storr, a Pedobaptist Professor of Theology in Germany, may not be unacceptable to our readers. He died in 1805, was the champion of orthodoxy in his country, and was probably surpassed by none of his age in the soundness of his criticisms. The extract is from his Christian Theology, entitled "Doctrinæ Christianæ Pars Theoretica." § 109, d. "When Christ commanded his disciples to baptize, (Matth. xxviii. 19.) they, from what preceded, (Jno. i. 25, 26, 28, 31, 35, iv. 1. compared with Matth. iii. 6, 16, Jno. iii. 23,) could not understand any thing else than that men were to be immersed in water; neither did they understand any thing but immersion, as is evident from the Scriptures, (Acts viii. 36, and following, xvi. 13-15. Rom. vi. 4. Col. ii. 12. f Peter, iii. 21,) and from the practice of the primitive church. (See Suiceri Thes. eccles. voc. avadow, and Binghami Orig. eccl. L. xi. c. xi. Opp. Lond. 1726. Anglice ed. itorum, Vol. 1. p. 521.") In looking over this controversy, we have a consciousness that the Baptist practice is the safest. No body doubts that immersion is valid baptism; and that believers are proper subjects. The only question is, whether immersion is the only mode, and believers the only proper subjects. Now it cannot be considered a very heinous crime to baptize in that way which all allow to be right. Nor can it be a very soul destroying practice, to withhold baptism from those who are not all moral agents, and who cannot discern between their right hand and their left; unless we suppose that baptism is essential to salvation. The Baptists have been reproached pretty freely with making too much of this ordinance. But if the truth were known, would not the fault appear on the other side? There is little doubt that infants were first brought to both the Christian sacraments, from the belief that these sacraments were of a saving nature. (See Amer. Bap. Mag. No. 55. p. 261.) And there is reason to fear, that a secret belief that baptism is attended with saving efficacy, is what still renders many so tenacious of infant baptism. If this is not the case, why, in enlightened New England, is the minister often called to administer this rite to the dying infant, and this perhaps at the midnight hour? Another argument frequently used to induce parents to get their children sprinkled, is the greater prospect of their becoming pious. To prove this to be the prospect, they tell us that in certain places a very large proportion of those who became pious were baptized in their infancy. Had they also informed us, that the unbaptized, in these places, were as numerous and as piously educated as the baptized; there would be a little more plausibility in the argument. It would be interesting to inquire, did our limits permit, what is the natural tendency of infant baptism, where its influence is not counteracted? Is it not, to do away the distinction between the church and the world,between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not? When the child grows up, and learns the importance that is attached to this rite, and that it has been performed on him, will it not serve as an opiate to his conscience, unless counteracting influence is used? As he is taught that he is born into the kingdom of God by natural birth, is not the inference natural, that no other birth or ren ovation is necessary? But in the time of Christ, "as many as receiv ed him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." For ourselves, we must confess we have never been able to see consistency or propriety in the treatment of Pedobaptist children. By their baptism, they are made members of the church, or they are not. If they are, why do they not enjoy the oversight and discipline of the church? and why are they excluded from the other ordinance, to which they have an equal right? We see no reason why they may not come to the communion any day after they have arrived to some maturity, unless they have been ́excommunicated. It is believed that all arguments against infant communion will fall with equal weight against infant baptism. But if they are not mem. bers of the church, what have they to do with church ordinances? What have they to do with the internal regulations of a kingdom to which they do not belong? The reader may require of us an apology for giving him so little of the Author before us. But we could not do him justice in making selections from him, so small was the compass we had allotted to our remarks: and we thought it the less necessary to make large quotations, as we presume the work will have a general circulation among our readers. Mr. Chapin is not a novice on this subject. We easily perceive that he is conducting us over ground which he has trodden before. We doubt not he will find a reward for his labour, in really facilitating the progress of those who are passing over this interesting field of inquiry. Missionary Intelligence. BAPTIST BOARD FOREIGN MISSIONS FOR UNITED STATES. ADDRESS OF THE BOARD TO THE GENERAL CONVENTION MET IN PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 26, 1820. THE Board of Managers hail, with pleasure, the return of the meeting of the Convention. They entertain a cheerful hope that its counsels will be directed by the wisdom that cometh from above, and be followed with blessings on the heads of thousands who are, as yet, far from the way of righteous ness and peace. They deeply feel the loss they have sustained, in the removal by death of two of their Vice-Presidents, Thomas Shields, Esq. and the honourable Judge Tallmadge. They lament also, the removal of an honorary member of the Convention, the excellent Governor Rabun; but it is their consolation, that these valuable men have departed, as they trust, to receive "the recompense of reward," and that while the glory of man is as the flower of the field, the word of the Lord endureth forever. The substance of the measures employed by the Board for promoting the objects of their appointment, during the years 1818 and 1819, have already been made public in the Annual Reports. These, together with what has been attempted during the year now closing, may be collected, more at large, from the minutes of their proceedings, which are submitted to the perusal of the Convention. From a serious consideration of the duty enjoined in the fourteenth article of the Constitution, and particularly from the communication made by the President of the Convention, at the last triennial meeting, the Board felt it their duty to "bring to full effect," as early as practicable, the subject of "assisting the education of such pious young men as appear to be called of God to the work of the ministry." The "Plan" submitted to the Convention, was referred to a committee of the Board, who, after a delay of twelve months, stated in their report, that "they approve, in the main, highly of the plan the President proposed, and are of opinion that it will, ultimately, in substance; probably in a few years, be found in successful operation." They, however, stated, that "until it can be accomplished; and for its accomplishment very ample funds must be obtained; something may be done that will prepare the way for more comprehensive measures." The expressions "com. petent and distinct funds," used in the Constitution, were understood by the Board to intend funds distinct from those collected for missionary purposes, that should be found competent for commencing, rather than for completing, an Institution of the kind contemplated; and were of opinion that scarcely any thing would more usefully lead on the design to the wished-for perfection, than the diffusion of pious young men among the churches, who might be assisted in their education, and whose profiting should appear to all. The Board endeavoured to call in the sentiments and co-operation of Education societies, and of brethren and churches around, that might aid in the work. They held, for this purpose, a special meeting in New-York, in August 1818; when the subject was taken into solemn considera tion; a Plan sketched for the perusal of churches and associations, subject to any changes or modifications which their judgment and piety might suggest; and proper pro visions made for the accommodation of students, and the temporary superintendence of their education. A considerable number of young men have already entered, some on their own foundation, but most of them depending on the distinct funds that have been, and shall yet be collected, for their education and support. The Board has reason to believe that much good has already been done, and they trust that the Convention will be guided by divine wisdom in all the measures on this important subject which they may be led to adopt. It has been stated to them by the Agent, that a lot has been procured in Washington city, peculiarly eligible for the erection of suitable buildings for the Institution. The Board are aware of many advantages that would attend such a location, but have resolved to leave the subject entirely to the decision of the Convention. A considerable number of books have been gratuitously obtained, furnishing the commencement of a library, which, it is believed, may easily be enlarged to a very considerable extent. From the numerous communications received by the Board, and from the importance of circulating missionary information in remote sections of the Union, the Board became impressed with the idea, that a periodical publication had become desirable. They had reason to believe that it would enhance the funds for missionary usefulness, and notwithstanding the comparative infancy of the work, and the extreme pressure of the times, they retain the persuasion still. The only difficulty that offered, arose from the existence of an excellent periodical work, edited by brethren in Boston, for whose piety and talents they entertained a high idea, and in whose prosperity they were prepared ever to rejoice. They were, notwithstanding, aware that that publication must be circulated with difficulty, and at an expense that would not attend a work issued at Philadelphia. They saw that their communications, if introduced into the American Baptist Magazine, must swell it to an impracticable mass, and were of opinion, that in so large a country as ours, two, and even more of such publications, could not be regarded as an excess. The sincere esteem they felt for their Boston brethren, led them to submit the idea to their consideration, in the most delicate and affectionate man ner in their power. They are grateful for the Christian dignity and love with which their communication was received. They consider the MAGAZINE and the LUMINARY as fellow-helpers in the cause of Christ. The minutes of the Board, or their substance, as presented in the fourth and fifth Annual Reports, will exhibit the circumstances of the several mission stations, in America and in Burmah. The Board, however, take pleasure in stating to the Convention, the leading out. lines of their present condition. The mission at RANGOON is, on the whole, in a prosperous state. A zayat, or small building, has been put up on a public road, where Mr. Judson has daily opportunity of conversing with the natives, and of preaching among them the upsearchable riches of Christ. Mrs. Judson is also actively and usefully engaged. One Burman has already been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and others have show ed indications of spiritual concern. Mr. and Mrs. Colman are diligently occupied in acquiring the language. Some circumstances attending this mission, at the same time, create painful regret. Mr. Hough bas removed with his family, on his own responsibility, from Rangoon |