p. 132 | Mode of Baptism by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 26, 1865

“Mode of Baptism.”

By R. F. Cottrell

OUR caption is a popular phrase extensively used; but what can be its meaning? If baptism means immersion, a definition generally admitted, so much so that the American Bible Union, an association formed from the leading denominations of the day, have been compelled thus to render the term, the mode of baptism can only refer to the manner of immersion, whether with the face upward or downward, or to some other particular manner in which the immersion is performed.

But we hear them talk of being baptized by sprinkling, by pouring and by immersion. If our definition of baptism is correct, this must mean that some are immersed by sprinkling, others are immersed by pouring, others still are immersed by immersion. The greatest objection to these expressions is, that the first and the second are absurd, and the third is tautological.

Another thing worth our observation is, that the object of the action of baptism, as used in the Scriptures, is always the person. Men and women, we read, were baptized. But in sprinkling or pouring, the object of the action is always, properly, the water. The water, and not the person, is sprinkled; the water, and not the person, is poured. The water may be sprinkled or poured upon the person—he may be be-sprinkled or wet; but he cannot himself be sprinkled or poured, unless he first be dissolved or reduced to a liquid, or a pulverized state. But a person can be immersed; and it was the persons, and not the water, that were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

Now immersion is admitted on all sides to be valid baptism; but some think sprinkling or pouring will answer equally as well, and we are offered the choice of the three modes. It would be well to choose as judiciously in those things which pertain to our eternal interests, as we would in matters that effect only our temporary, worldly interests. Suppose then a person owes you ten dollars. He offers you a bank bill in payment. You inquire if it is good. The answer is, some say it is good, and some say it is not. But seeing you hesitate, he offers you another bill in its stead. Is this genuine and good, you ask. About like the other, says he, some say it is good, and some say it is worthless. You can find plenty of people however, that will take either of them. But if you do not like either of them, here is a gold eagle, and now you can take your choice of the three. Would you take one of the bills? No, say you, give me that which all are agreed is good—that which passes current everywhere.

Then be wise in the things of religion; and insult not God, and imperil not your own soul, by choosing a human substitute for a divine institution.

I have always wondered, from my early youth, how men of learning could repeat the following words: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” when they only put a small quantity of water upon the head of the candidate. How dare they use those SACRED NAMES in connection with the deliberate and solemn utterance of a falsehood?! Will the unwarranted custom of their denomination shield them?

But light is increasing. That baptism is immersion, is a truth in the hands of the common people, and no longer confined to the learned ministry. If ministers are still willing to subvert and abuse this institution, let the people receive the truth, if they have to forsake them. Each one must answer to God for himself.

R. F. COTTRILL.