Tradition and Trine Immersion.
By Editor
It is well known that the Greek Church, which practices three immersions, holds tradition as equal in authority with the inspired Scriptures. Chrystal's History of the Modes of Baptism is a text book with trine immersionists, and in it he most earnestly pleads for tradition. In this he does well for his cause, for he knows that without tradition his theory of “three baptisms” would have no tangible foundation. One appeal which he makes in behalf of tradition is worthy of notice. It is found on pages 160-1 of his History, as follows:— “Almost all of every creed admit some Apostolic tradition. We admit it in making still more clear the scriptural and primitive church polity. The Presbyterian admits it when it teaches him the baptism of infants. And the Baptist admits it when it teaches that the first day of the week should be observed as the Christian Sabbath.” His point is well taken as far as infant baptism and Sunday observance are concerned. But what does this prove in favor of tradition? It would be far more easy, we are aware, to successfully meet the trine immersionists before the people, if their foundation, tradition, were not upheld in practice by the Presbyterians and Baptists. But while it is so, there is the greater need that we, who reject tradition altogether, let our light shine both in our theory and practice.