Baptism: What does it Signify? No. III. A SCRIPTURAL VIEW OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST. MR. EDITOR, AS you have thought pro- covenant Head. All this, I steadfastly be per to open your pages to a free discussion, lieve, truly know, and, as a christian Minister, on the merits of our Lord's own instituted constantly Preach. But, I aver, and fearordinance of "the immersion of professed lessly maintain, on Scripture grounds, that it believers in water;" and, as I expect that the is not what is called "the Baptism of the controversy, per contra, will mostly be a Holy Ghost," as that phrase is used in the word of God. denial of water-baptism, on the plea of having been baptized with the baptism of the Holy Ghost; I therefore send you my entire mind on the subject, as written by me twenty-five years ago, in reply to the late Mr. Joseph Irons, of Camberwell. Two thousand five hundred copies of that reply were all disposed of in a very short period of time, and as no answer during a quarter of a century has ever been made, and I feel confident can never be (scripturally) made; that being the case, I fearlessly throw down the gauntlet, and enquire, who will venture to take it up? Be it remembered, that I require chapter and verse from the New Testament as a sine qua non. If nothing arises in opposition but windy words and bold declamation, I shall venture to walk abroad without the least fear of injury. "The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord." Jer. xxiii. 28. See also verse 32. Sound gospel Jireh Meeting, Feb. 15th, 1858. from the performance of duty, it is much When persons wish to excuse themselves more suitable to the state of their minds, to be satisfied with some commonly received opinions, than to give themselves the trouble of close examination, and strict enquiry after Truth; especially if it is likely, that by so doing, they might be convinced of what they wished not to be true. Hence persons often satisfy their minds in the NEGLECT of baptism, and set their consciences at rest, by some dark and confused notions about the of this baptism seems to have been very "Baptism of the Holy Ghost." The nature little considered and understood, by christians in general, From the manner in which it is frequently mentioned, it seems by far the greater part of the Christian world, suppose it to refer, either to the application of the word, in regeneration; or else, to those gracious and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, of which every real child of God is undoubtedly a partaker. Nor is it surprising that this opinion, though entirely received, if it be only considered, that without foundation, should be pretty generally Preachers frequently speak of the "baptism of the Holy Ghost," in such a way, as if it were perfectly understood that every Christian partakes of it; though they might as well teach their people to expect to attain to sinless perfection. In the same incautious manner, authors have written, and inculcated the same views. And so prevalent is this opinion, that the few who have examined the subject, have been frequently charged with denying the influences of the Holy Spirit, because they have asserted that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was confined to the apostolic age. I would declare, unequivocally, without guile, or the least particle of mental reservation; that, I am altogether agreed in the belief of the necessity of a work of grace on a Sinner's heart. That the holy and eternal Spirit, is the Lord and giver of spiritual life and light, unto all those for whom Christ died. That it is His great work and office, to quicken and enlighten; to awaken, and raise up from their death in sin; to convict It is of great importance to the believer in and convince them of their sin and sinfulness; Jesus, that every subject which forms a part to cause them to cry out for mercy, lead them of revelation, should be understood in the to Jesus; work faith in their hearts, where- same sense in which it was intended by the by they truly believe to the salvation of their Holy Spirit in the Word. They who preach souls: in a word, to regenerate and make the gospel, and they who understand the gosalive to God, and bring home by effectual vo- pel, in a different sense from that which the cation and calling, the purchase of Christ's Holy Spirit intended, they preach "another blood. Without the operation of the Holy gospel." And it is of importance for every Ghost, there is no spiritual life at first; and Christian, to be well acquainted with every also, without the continual influences, water-branch of revealed truth; but, above all, ings, revivals, teachings, manifestations, leadings and guidings, of the same ever-blessed Spirit, the believer can have and enjoy, no communion and fellowship with his covenant God and Father, through Christ Jesus his those who are of opinion, that believers only are the proper subjects of baptism, they should study every thing in the sacred New Testament which has any relation to it: because they have frequent occasion, when speaking on the subject, to shew, that the one baptism" spoken of by the Apostle, in Fph. iv. 5, is not the "baptism of the Holy Ghost," but, that baptism which Jesus commanded to be administered to all believers, even to the end of the world. Upon this subject, nothing is more common than to hear inconsiderate persons, quote those words of John, "I indeed baptise you with water, but he (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost," that, say they, is the baptism of Christ; and seeing we possess that, waterbaptism can be of no consequence. Let us then enquire, how far the pretences of such persons are founded in Truth, by examining what the baptism of the Holy Ghost really is. It apears that "the baptism of the Holy Ghost," is a very different thing from the regenerating and sanctifying influences of the Spirit; unless any could prove that neither Peter, James, nor John were regenerated characters, when they were with our Lord at his transfiguration on the holy mount: when they also were chosen witnesses of his agony in Gethsemane; and when they ate and conversed with Jesus after his resurrection. Were they not regenerated, converted men, then? O yes, they were; but they were not then, as yet, baptised with the Holy Ghost. Will any attempt to prove that Thomas was in an unconverted state, when probing, as it were, the wounds, of Jesus, he cried out, "My Lord and my God." Jesus saith to him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed;" but still he must, though a believer in Jesus, have been yet an unregenerated man, if "the baptism of the Holy Ghost" is regeneration for as yet, neither himself, nor any of the apostles had been baptised with the Holy Ghost. After all this, yea after Jesus had been seen of them alive, forty days subsequent to his death and resurrection; and being assembled together with them, he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifted up his hands and blessed them saying to them, "tarry ye at Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." See Luke xxiv. 49, 50. Acts. i. 3-8. Here we find that, "the baptism of the Holy Ghost," was something of which, at the time of our Lord's ascension, none of the apostles were yet partakers; but, they were to wait for it and expect to have it conferred upon them. Accordingly in the second chapter of the Acts, we are informed what this extraordinary baptism was-"There came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind; and it filled all the house where they were setting. And there appeared unto them, cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Ghost; and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts ii. 1-11. It is therefore most evident, that by "the baptism of the Holy Ghost" we are to understand, the extraordinary and miraculous power, by which the Apostles, and some only of the first Christians were endued; and, by which they were enabled to speak with other tongues, to work miracles, raise the dead, heal diseases, &c., &c. I said some only of the first Christians were so endued: the Samaritan believers were first baptized with water by Philip, and were afterwards baptized by the Holy Ghost; yet it does not appear that Philip himself was so baptized; the Word is silent respecting it. Acts viii. 12. Twelve of the Ephesian believers, who had been before bap tized in the name of the Lord Jesus, were subsequently baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts xix. 2-6, Cornelius, and others with him, were baptized with the Holy Ghost, and were afterwards baptized with water baptism; yea, Peter himself argues the necessity of the lat ter, from the fact of having received the former: not, that being believers they should not have been baptized with water baptism, had they not have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost; but, having so received, then, how much more so. And which appears to be one of the things commanded him of God, that Cornelius, &c., should DO. Acts x. 33, 48. But we have no account of the Corinthian believers being baptized with the Holy Ghost; though it is said " Many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized." Acts xviii. 8. That is, with water baptism, on a profession of their faith. The Eunuch also was baptized with water; but we have no account of his being baptized with the Holy Ghost; yet, it is said, he went on his way rejoicing. Acts viii. 26-39. From all these considerations, it appears that, the conclusions of those persons, who pretend that they need not to be baptized with water, because they have been, as they say, "baptized with the Holy Ghost," are entirely false. But I have said, that,-by the baptism of the Holy Ghost, in the sense intended by the phrase in the New Testament, we are to understand the extraordinary and miraculous power, by which the Apostles, and some only besides of the first Christians, were endued; and by which they were enabled to speak with tongues, work miracles, raise the dead, heal diseases, &c., &c. I contend that this statement is scriptural; and, that the work of the Spirit on the soul, in regeneration and sanctification, is not at all impugned or denied, by the above. No; God forbid! Neither do I deny, but, on the contary, do most fully avow, that, not only are all the real members of the Church of Christ now, endued with grace; but also, that gifts are bestowed on some of them for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ. The Lord hath bestowed on some men in their day, Apostolical gifts; and in the exercise and use of the same, they evinced their calling to the apostolic office. "Paul called to be an Apostle." Rom. i. 1. “I am the apostle of the Gentiles." Rom. xi. 3. " Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds." 2 Cor. xii. 12. Some also in the Church in new-testament days, had prophetical gifts, such as Agabus and others, see Acts xi. 27, 28. were in the Church at Antioch certain pro "There phets." Acts xiii. 1. These persons had no doubt a peculiar gift from God of interpreting scripture, and of foretelling things to That scripture in Eph. iv. 11, is full come. THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION; OR, MY LOVE SO COLD TOWARD HIM?" [ONE part of the following letter is extensively known: but the hope that it may be useful inclines us to give that which is quoted as well as those portions which are deeply experimental and original.-ED.] to the point, "He gave some Apostles; and "IF THE SAVIOUR DIED FOR ME, WHY IS some Prophets; and some Evangelists; and some Pastors and Teachers." As, to some are given apostolic gifts; to some others, prophetical gifts; so also, others are intended to be Evangelists, and these are qualified with suited gifts for their work: such was "Philip the Evangelist," (Acts xxi. 8.) and others in the Apostles' days. These were not perhaps fixed and stated ministers, in any one place; but directed of the Lord, and sent by him, here and there, on their Master's business. There are many gracious good men in our day, that have not pastoral gifts, yet they are endued with most blessed evangelical ones; and are of great use in the church of Christ. They carry the glad tidings of salvation hither and thither; the Master's eye is upon them; his arm sustains them; his gracious presence is afforded them; and their painful, yet pleasant, labours of love, shall be remembered to their joy in that day. Others, are by divine appointment, to be pastors: these also are endued with suited gifts, qualifying them for the Office they sustain in the Church of Christ. These under-shepherds are more stationary than those Evangelists. They are overseers in respective and distinct Churches of the Saints. They are called workmen, and their work is arduous; they have employ enough to fill hand, head, and heart continually; yea, as it were, to drink up their spirits. Who is sufficient for these things ? 2 Cor.ii.16. Now the bestowment of these several and respective gifts, are " for the perfecting of the saints; for the work of the ministry; for the edifying of the body of Christ." Eph. iv. 12. And so the Lord maintains and keeps up, a standing Ministry in the Church, by the giving out of spiritual gifts unto gracious men therein, whereby they are qualified for their appointed office-work in the Church: and Dr. Owen hath well observed-"If the LORD should cease to give out spiritual gifts, he need do no more to take away the Ministry out of the Church. The Ministry then must cease." PRAYER ANSWERED. AH! thou hast not forgotten me, Thy matchless grace and love. To place before thy throne? DEAR PASTOR,-Once more do I venture to ad- How wondrous is the Saviour's love! What are the blessings he will confer upon those happy souls who shall dwell with him alone? Who can tell the riches that are treasured up in Jesus! What are the joys of an immortal soul dwelling in his presence! If but a glimpse of him here below ravishes the eye and heart, what must it be to see him as he is-crowned with glory and honour, might, majesty, and power! To see that dear, that sacred head that was crowned with thorns-those dear hands and feet that were torn with cruel nails-his back that was once lacerated-his wounded, pierced side-that lovely form that once was bathed in blood, sorrowing, agonizing under the dreadful burden of the sins of his people; enduring the curse for them-the sword of Divine Justice bathed in the dear Redeemer's blood that it might not light upon the sinner's head! How lovely is thy cross, O, Jesus! What untold blessings doth spring from it! Who can look upon a suffering Redeemer and not hate sin? How often do I mourn that I am the subject of so much sin. Restraining grace prevents its breaking out in open acts of rebellion; but O, the plague lies deep within, and it seems almost impossible that a heart so vile as mine can ever have been renewed by grace divine. If the Saviour died for me, why is my love so cold toward him? If the Holy Spirit has quickened me into life, why am I so unbelieving? If God is my Father, why as a child can I not go to him, and delight to hold converse with him? O, my dear Friend, these are questions I cannot answer. I look back to the time when I appeared a fair and flourishing professor; but alas! this wavering heart wandered from my God. I forgot his vows were upon me; I forsook my first love like Ephraim; I became joined unto Idols, and justly indeed the Lord might have let me alone; but, bless his holy name, instead of this, he stretched forth his hand and took the rod and chastened me, first providentially-crossed all my fair designs and laid me low. The flowery path I thought to tread he turned into a thorn hedge; yet did I rebel more and more, when another stroke came, and this time death and affliction crossed my path-health and youthful vigour fled. Then did I enquire, "Lord, why is this?" But yet again did his hand strike, and then did I fall prostrate before him; all my bones seemed to shake; fear and trembling took hold upon me; a horror of great dark. ness overwhelmed me; the arrows of the Almighty stuck fast in me. Truly I could not find my paths. I seemed deserted-shut out from hope, and fast sinking in despair. Yet through all have I been sustained; and I bless my Father's hand that took the rod to chastise, but did not destroy me. I believe I can truly say, "Spare me not, Lord; purge away my dross; make me entirely thine; only grant me sustaining grace, humility of spirit, and confidence that thou wilt do all things well, and in thine own time reveal thyself to me as a sin-pardoning God. Lead me again to Calvary, and grant me the teachings of thy Holy Spirit; for, without thee, the Three-One God, I feel I can do nothing; and if I perish, I must perish. Salvation is alone of the Lord." Musing one day in deep anxiety upon the dark mysterious path I have so long trodden, my spirit filled with dark forebodings lest, after all, I should prove a castaway, these words seemed to come like a refreshing shower upon my thirsty, sorrowing heart-"I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction, that thou mayest glorify me." My doubts and fears for a time then fled, and my soul seemed swallowed up in joy, feeling that if he had chosen me, all was mine; for Christ was mine, and heaven was mine, with all the glorious realities of a never-ending eternity. But, alas! this calm was soon succeeded by a storm-the promise seemed to pass from me, unbelief took possession of my mind, and down my soul sunk again almost into despair; for I thought, "Can it be that I am one of his chosen ones, and yet delight not to pray to him; if I truly loved the Saviour should I not delight to go to him; instead of which, when I venture to approach the mercy-seat, I feel such hardness of heart, such unbelief, so many vain thoughts crowded in, that seems almost a mockery to dare approach a holy God in such a state?" At other times I feel such coldness and indifference as to live almost without prayer. O, dear Pastor, why am I thus? Can I be a Christian, and not love prayer, seeing it is such a blessed privilege? for I believe that fervent prayer brings untold blessings from above; and I ofttimes think had I the spirit of prayer, and could wrestle with God he would grant my earnest desire deliverance from these bonds. O, dear Friend, will you ask him to bestow upon me the spirit of prayer? Once prayer was my delight; I then took all my wants and faults to a throne of grace, and with child-like confidence depended upon my hea venly Father for a gracious supply of all I needed, both temporal and spiritual; and then peace was mine. Doubtless, dear Pastor, you know full well the value of prayer. I trust you will pardon what I say; but I have ofttimes thought if every member of your church would earnestly plead with the Lord, not once, but each time they approach a throne of grace, for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, making the word quick and powerful, building up believers, and converting sinners to Jesus, having a warning word to backsliders, of reproof to the wavering, that your heart might be gladdened, seeing the work of the Lord prosper, and the house of the Lord filled. Would not the Lord of glory listen to the united supplications of a whole church, and abundantly bless their Pastor, strengthen his hands, encourage his heart, and grant power to accompany the word spoken by him? An anecdote, which lately read, has tended to confirm the impression. I have long felt that a lack of earnest, fervent prayer has, in a measure, been the cause from whence decay has sprung; it is as follows "A worthy minister of the Gospel, in North America, was pastor of a flourishing church. He was a popular preacher, but gradually became less acceptable to his hearers, and his congregation very much decreased. This was solely attributed to the minister, and matters continuing to get worse, some of his hearers resolved to speak with him upon the subject. They did so, and when the good man had heard their complaints, he replied, I am quite sensible of all you say, for I feel it to be true, and the reason of it is-that I have lost my prayer-book.' They were astonished at hearing this; but he proceeded- Once my preaching was acceptable; many were edified by it, and numbers were added to the church, which was then in a prosperous state. But we were then a praying people; there were many who joined together in fervent prayer that my preaching might be blessed for the conversion of sinners, and the edification of the saints. It was this that, by the blessing of God, made us prosper. But, as prayer began to be restrained, my preaching became less acceptable; the church declined, and things became as they now are.' But let us have recourse to the same means, and the same effects may be expected to follow." They took the hint: social prayer was again offered, and punctually attended; exertions were made to induce those who were without to attend the preaching of the word, and the result was, that the minister became as popular as he was before, and in a short time the church as flourishing as ever. I trust, my dear Friend, you will not be of fended at my sending you this simple anecdote; but it lay with great weight upon my mind, and seemed as a key to open the mystery of the cause of the decline of churches; and I thought what might not prayer accomplish? Might not the church again become flourishing like a well watered garden of the Lord? Then would the song of praise arise, and with angels round the throne, Cherubim and Seraphim, and the church, which still is one, should we join in the solemn hymn"Glory to the Great I AM! Glory to the victim Lamb!" Farewell, dear Pastor; entreat your people to pray for you, and I believe your work will be abundantly blessed. May the blessing of a Triune God rest upon you, is the earnest prayer of an unworthy one, K. HOLLIS. 25, West Street, Neckinger, London. [The subject here introduced, is a large and weighty one; and one that has been much upon our mind of late. "Prayer" is a special gift of heaven-a distinct work of the Holy Spirit-a privilege conferred upon the quickened elect of God-a certain forerunner of blessings to be bestowed--and an indisputable evidence of sonship and of salvation. We hope to give a paper or two upon it.-ED.] THE SECRET DISCIPLE. Those moments spent at night. Could flush her brow with shame. Her secret path was sin. He spread not lightnings o'er her sky, And with an angel's perfumed breath, He entered,-with the crown of thorns Is she not vanquished now? EPISTLES TO THEOPHILUS, LETTER XLIII. My good Theophilus, the great truth of the resurrection, rightly known, is both experimental and practical. The experience of this heavenly testimony is one of the greatest present advantages, as well as one of the greatest ultimate glories of the gospel. What present advantage can be greater than to die daily? for there is a mysterious proportion between deadness to the present world, and We unliveliness to that which is to come. happily often work hard to make the two live together, but our labour is in vain we cannot serve God and manmon; we cannot establish fellowship between righteousnes and unrighteousness, nor make thick darkness and perfect day one and the same thing, nor unite Christ and Belial, nor make infidelity and the faith of God's elect friendly with each other, nor reconcile the temple of God with the temple of idols. Yet, my good Theophilus, you feel that you are made up of all these antagonistic qualities, and that the powers which are at deadly war with the soul are strong, and are lively, and, at times, all but kill us to everything heavenly and eternal. Yet grace is infinitely rich to forgive, and almighty to govern; and the more we are blest with earnestness after God, the more we shall live to him; and so shall we go on dying to that which is not only not worth living for, but which would destroy us with a sore destruction. So then, in our affection, the kingdom of God is to stand first, and our souls are in right and due order only as this is the case; and just in proportion as this is the case, so we die daily, and serve God acceptably. And thus, by a revelation unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost of eternal things, we so die daily that when death shall come we shall have nothing to do but depart, and be with Christ, which is far better. Nothing to do but fall asleep in Jesus. Only think, Theophilus, of this; we have only to fall asleep, until awakened at the last day to take possession of the kingdom, by which time, the soul having possession, will be well familiarized; and the body, when awakened into immortality, will in one moment be for ever at home. Well then may the apostle call a denial of the resurrection an evil communication; and, one too of those evil communications which corrupt good gospel manners. Awake then," saith the apostle, "to righteousness, and sin not." Some of those received into the church at Corinth, had not the knowledge of God; this the apostle said to the shame of those who received such into the church. But receiving people into churches who have not a true divinely taught knowledge of the truth is now become so common that the shame of so doing is well nigh de |