Dr. Pierson on Baptism

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 27, 1913

Dr. Pierson on Baptism

DR. ARTHUR T. PIERSON, for many years the efficient and inspiring editor of the Missionary Review of the World, which before he died changed his views regarding the question of infant baptism and immersion. Quoting from “The Life of Arthur T. Pierson,” published by the Fleming H. Revell Company, the Examiner of March 6, represents Dr. Pierson as saying:—

Another impression left by the reading of the Acts of the Apostles was that infant baptism has, in that book, a very slender basis of authority. The common, unbiased student would not infer that such was the primitive custom. In every case but one, where the baptism of households is referred to, their “believing” is also recorded. I was compelled to admit the absence of any direct injunction, and that so far as the explicit teaching of the Word goes, the practise found but little support or sanction. I observed with increased misgiving that in actual practise infant baptism is sometimes a snare. In the Presbyterian Standard, though it is more carefully worded than some others, I find no word concerning baptizing children of the regenerating influence of the Spirit. They are treated as within the pale of the church, under its inspection and government, to be taught all Christian duties, and “when they come to the years of discretion, if they be free from scandal, appear sober and steady, and to have sufficient knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, they ought to be informed it is their duty and their privilege to come to the Lord’s Supper.” Is it not the fact that, judged by such criteria, many an utterly unregenerated person actually finds entrance to our communion? If in our day of superficial and unsanctified morality any truth needs emphasis, it is that “except

a man be born again — born from above — he can not enter nor even see the kingdom of God.” A baptized infant needs, as much as any other, the new birth. I was sought by scores of inquirers who had been depending upon baptism in infancy to such a degree that they had no clear sense of their need of the new birth. Every motive of worldly policy counsels me to silence, but loyalty to God, to the truth, and to my brethren demands utterance, whatever consequences may come to me personally.