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REMARKS

ON

WATER BAPTISM

AND

REVELATION.

BY THE AUTHOR

OF

Observations on the Institutions and Habits of English Society, &c."

LONDON:

Published for the Author by

DARTON AND CLARK, HOLBORN HILL; DARTON AND HARVEY, GRACECHURCH STREET; AND EDMUND FRY, BISHOPSGATE STREET.

C8344.920.15

HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY

GIFT OF

HAVERFORD COLLEGE LIBRARY
JUL 9 1935

M

WATER BAPTISM;

ONCE A TYPE OR SHADOW BY DIVINE APPOINTMENT:

LONG SINCE FULFILLED OR FINISHED BY DIVINE APPOINTMENT.

REVELATION;

A PRESENT AND ENDURING REALITY CONTINUED BY DIVINE APPOINTMENT TO THE END OF THE WORLD.

SEVERAL members of the Society of Friends having recently manifested unsettled views of the doctrines of Water Baptism, and of the Revelation of the will of our Heavenly Father, as applicable to the present state of the christian church, I felt constrained to look a little at the controversy, under an impression that it might appear my duty to offer a few remarks to such of my friends as would be willing to read them in the simplicity in which I desired they might be written.

I freely confess that I have found no cause to doubt the correctness of any one feature of the original principles of the society, among which these two stand as prominent as most,-That Water Baptism, receding, as baptism by the Holy Ghost, advanced, the former, at an early period of the christian church, ceased to be an ordinance; and that the Revelation to man of the knowledge and the will of God, by the Holy Ghost, was, by obedience thereto, the only foundation on which the

apostles, or any other christians, ever could, or ever did, or ever will be able to build, or realize any progress in the work of vital religion. This scrutiny has caused me to feel great sorrow of heart for some who have latterly denied revelation, as applicable to the present state of the church of God and of Christ: some notice of which will be found under its proper head. I have also felt uneasiness on behalf of those who are looking towards uniting with Water Baptism, lest, turning aside from the present visitation of the Lord, (which as a fire and a hammer in their hearts has, for wise purposes, brought them into a state of considerable perplexity of spirit), they should not let patience have her perfect work, whereby they might find, in quietness and confidence, their strength renewed; but, instead thereof, should seek consolation in creaturely elements, and thus afford the cruel adversary of our souls an assistance in diverting them from the teachings of God's Holy Spirit.

I heartily desire for my brethren, my sisters, and myself, that we may all, not only come to experience, but dwell in the conviction, that every ordinance, to be of any avail, must be accompanied by the Divine presence. Nothing can do our spirits any good except the Lord be in it; and as it is quite clear that the Jews used Water Baptism (as they and every other people have used their various religious institutions), too much out of God, and, consequently, out of God's will; so, I believe, with the same mixed views, feelings, and desires, it has been taken up by the Gentiles, to whom, as a body, it never was appointed; as well as by the Jews, to whom, as a nation, it was appointed. Yet do I acknowledge, that although the apparent tendency to adopt this departed rite is painful to my feelings, I have infinitely more hopes for such, (if they deny not the

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