02 - Preface

PREFACE
TO THE FIRST EDITION. THE following pages were originally prepared without any reference to publication. At the earnest solicitation of his brethren, the writer has consented to commit his views to the press. He has presented the reasonings on the subject, as they have passed before his own mind, freely availing himself of the labors of others, and endeavoring, with candor and fairness, to state and examine the arguments of those who have written on the other side. Having diligently studied, in the course of the investigation which resulted in his present convictions, numerous pedo-baptist writers,--critics, commentators, and divines,--and having also acquainted himself with the works of the more recent Baptist writers, the author ventures to hope these discourses will show the present state of the controversy in this country. The works to which the most frequent reference has been made in the preparation of these sermons are Ripley’s Examination of Stuart, the Christian Review, the Treatise of Carson, Sermons of the late Dr. Davis, of [11] Hartford, Connecticut, Judson’s sermon, Professor Stuart’s article in the Biblical Repository, Dr. Bloomfield’s Greek Testament with English Notes, Barnes’s Notes, and Robinson’s Lexicon of the New Testament. The Lexicon just named, being, in the main, a correct exposition of the text, will ever be regarded by the Baptist student of the original Greek as a standard work. The spirit exhibited in the treatise of Carson is not to be commended; his reasoning, however, is unanswerable. The author desires particularly to acknowledge his obligations to the Examination of Stuart, by Professor Ripley, and to the Christian Review, edited by Professor Sears. No one should read Professor Stuart’s Essay without following it with the Examination--a work exhibiting a liberality of feeling, an acuteness of criticism, and a cogency of argument, which must inspire esteem and command respect, if they do not enforce conviction. From the Review the opinions of the German critics have been mostly derived, and the examination of the ancient Fathers is to be referred to the same source. This periodical is published under the auspices of the Baptist denomination, and its pages furnish conclusive proof of the learning and ability [12] of its conductors. It is destined to confer upon the denomination incalculable benefits, and should be possessed by all our members, both ministers and laity. In stating the ground on which the baptism of infants is supported, resort has usually been had to the lectures of the Rev. Leonard Woods, D. D., the writer’s venerated and beloved instructor in theology.

It would be a source of deep regret to the writer should there be found in the spirit of these discourses any thing meriting condemnation. If he knows his own heart, he cherishes towards the brethren with whom he was formerly connected the warmest Christian affection. Having been uniformly happy in his church relations, and that happiness having suffered no interruption by his conscientious withdrawal from his pedo-baptist associates, the writer has yet to learn that an honest difference of opinion among Christians is incompatible with the charity inculcated by the gospel. With fervent prayers, that this humble effort may promote the cause of truth and piety, the author desires to commit it to the great Head of the church. [13]