p. 8 | A Matter of Courtesy by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1912

A Matter of Courtesy

By Editor

Under the heading "A Matter of Courtesy" one of our valued exchanges, the Herald and Presbyter, in its issue of Aug. 21, 1912, complains of the discourtesy often shown the Presbyterian Church through the unwillingness of some of its sister churches who believe in immersion to receive into their communion as full-fledged members those who have been poured or sprinkled.

The determination of this question depends upon the viewpoint. On our part we do not see how those churches that believe baptism to be a cardinal Christian doctrine, and that the only Scriptural mode of baptism is by immersion, can permit to enter their membership those who have not received this ordinance. We are quite willing to admit that there are good Christian people in every church. We believe there are many who have accepted the counterfeit of baptism for the true method who know the Lord and are the recipients of his saving grace. They have acted in good faith, and God has accepted them. We believe, however, that with respect to the question of baptism they are greatly in error, and that before they should be received into the Seventh-day Adventist Church, they should be instructed with reference to what the Scriptures of truth teach regarding the subject. Nor could we feel that we were lacking in courtesy in requiring this of these seekers. In fact, we should consider it not only an act of discourtesy, but injustice as well if we knew them to be in error, and failed, kindly and in a Christian spirit, to set before them what we believe the Scriptures of truth require in the way of Christian experience.