p. 136 | Re-Baptism by John Byington

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1856

Re-Baptism.

By John Byington

I SEE it stated as a fact in history, that the Jews not only circumcised those who were converted to their religion, from among the heathen, but also baptized them. I had thought the origin of baptism in the Church of God was with John the Baptist. Dr Clarke in his closing remarks on the gospel by Mark, has the following words from another author:

"But yet the first use of baptism was not exhibited at that time, meaning John's time; for baptism very many centuries back had been both known and received in most frequent use among the Jews; and for the very same end as it now obtains among Christians; namely, that by it proselytes might be admitted into the Church; and hence it was called baptism for proselytism,"

The same author quotes a Jewish author who says, "Whensoever any heathen will betake himself and be joined to the covenant of Israel, and place himself under the wings of the Divine Majesty, and take the yoke of the law upon him, voluntary circumcision, baptism and oblation are required." The same author refers to the requirement of God of the Jews at Mt. Sinai, to sanctify themselves and wash their clothes as the origin of baptism. Now if these are facts, it is certain there was re-baptism under the same dispensation or covenant; for John and his subjects kept the ceremonial law.

JOHN BYINGTON. Buck's Bridge, N. Y., Jan. 14th, 1856.