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THE WHITSITT CONTROVERSY.
PROF. ALBERT H. NEWMAN, D D., LL.D.
NO. 8.
To restate and review every point j
that has been brought forward in op- I
position to Dr. Whitsitt’s published |
views on the historical questions un
der discussion would be tedious ami
would subserve no useful end. It will
be my purpose in this and succeeding
articles to limit myself as closely as
possible to what may seem essential
to the argument. It seems conven
ient to follow the order of Dr. Whit- ■
sitt's discussion in "A Question in ;
Baptist History.
BAPTISM IN TH E CHURCH OF ENGLAND.
I venture to think that Dr. Whit- !
sltt and his critics alike have laid
more stress on the practice of the
Church of England than it deserves;
that the mode of baptism prescribed in
the prayer book of Edward VI. for
healthy infants (trine immersion) was
commonly disused long before IMO
seems evident. The mode allowed for
sickly infants (pouringl seems to
have been generally preferred by pa
rents and allowed by the officiating
clergy. That immersion in the Church
of England was as rare about 16-tO as
Dr. Whltsitt would have us believe
has been rendered highly improbable
by his opp >nents who have brought to
light a considerable body of facts
with which we may suppose he was
previously unacquainted. That some
of the clergy attached importance to
immersion as the primitive form of
baptism and as the only form that
properly sets firth the symbolism of
the ordinance is evident from the work
of “D. R." (Daniel Rogers), entitled
•‘A Treatise of the Two Sacraments
of the Gospel, Baptism and the Lord's
Supper,” a third edition of which was
published in London in 1635, (See
article by Dr. W. H. King in the West
ern Recorder for November sth and
article in the Freeman, London, Oc
tober 23d.) The argument of this
writer for dipping is from a Baptist
point of view eminently satisfactory.
That the work should have reached a
third edition w mid seem to indicate
that a considerable number of people
were at that time interested in the
question as to the proper mode of
baptism. Many other notices have
been collected that tend to show that
immersion was still a live issue in the
Church of England and that it was
still occasionally practiced about 1640.
If Dr. Whltsitt had been acquainted
with this work, he would hardly have
been so positive in giving priority in
the assertion of the sole validity of
immersion to Edward Barber. (See
pp. 112 and 115 of Dr. Whitsitt's book.)
But sticklers for tne exact observance
of the form prescribed in the prayer
book were doubtless for the most part
High Churchmen, as was John Wes
ley when he insisted on the trine im
mersion of infants a century later,
and it is not likely that English anti
pedobaptists were attracted by the ar
guments or the practices of their bit
ter enemies. English Puritanism,
from whose ranks the Baptists of Eng
land came forth, followed the Re
formed churches of the continent in
regarding baptism as a ceremonial
washing with water, symbolical of in
ner cleansing, and in supposing the
amount of water employed and the
manner of its application matters of
indifference.
The practice of the Established
Church about 1610 is irrelevant, unless
it be intended to show on the one hand
that immersion as a mode of baptism
was s > nearly extinct that the Eng
lish anji-pedobaptlsts could not have
been expected to know it had ever
-been fqa;‘4ticeil, or on the other hand
that its use in the Church of England,
supposing it to have been common,
would have necessarily predisposed
them in its favor. It may be asserted
with all confidence that no one at that
time need have been ignorant that
immersion was baptism, and that the
anti-pedobaptists would have been
m ire likely to be repelled that attract
ed by High Church inslstance on con
formity to the prescribed ritual.
baptism amO' g the anabaptists.
A few cases of immersion among the
anti-pedobaptists of the Reformation
time might be added to those men
tioned by Dr. Whitsitt (following De
Hoop Sheffer). The reason given by
the latter for calling in question the
practice of immersion at St. Gall in
1525, is insuflcient, and Dr. Whitsitt
might safely have gone further than
to speak of the practice of immersion
at this time as possible. The flocking
of the people for baptism to the river
Sitter, at a considerable distance from
the town, can be satisfactorily explain
ed only on the supposition that the
baptism administered was immersion.
That immersion was practiced to
some extent for a time in Augsburg.
Dr. Whitsitt admits. A recent Ger
man writer (Gerbert, Geschichte der
Strassburger Sectenbewegung, p. 93)
supposes that immersion was prac
ticed to some extent in Strasburg
about 1529. He seems to base his
supposition on the confession of two
prisoners that they were baptized "be
fore the Butcher's Gate.” He thinks
that an “arm of the Rhine” was used
for this purpose. One would need to
know something of the locality of the
Butcher's Gate, in order to judge in
telligently as to the correctness of
Gerbert's surmise. Others examined
at the same time, confessed to having
been baptized in private houses. It
is not likely that immersion was ex
tensively practiced in Strasburg at
this time. A case of immersion at
Munich is also on record; but we have
few details. It may be safely assert
ed that many instances occurring here
and there over the wide field covered
by the anti-pedobaptist movement,
have not been recorded.
The case of Hubmaier is worthy
of special consideration. There
is no man living from whose opinion
on a matter of language or history I
should with greater reluctance dissent
than from hat of Dr. Howard Os
good; and yet I cannot accept the ren
dering of a passage from Hub
maier's tract on the "Form of Bap
tism.” attributed to this admirable
scholar by Dr. Jarrell. Uebergiesen
can only mean to “pour upon,” and
from the beginning to the end of his
career as an Anabaptist, Hubmaier
consistently recommended and prac
tised this mode. The clearly recorded
facts are not set aside by Hubmaier's
use of the phrase “baptize in the
water,” or his use of New Testament
expressions that involve a recogni
tion of immersion as symbolical of
burial and resurrection. The great
Moravian anti-pedobaptist party that
came to number from 40,000 to 70,000
prescribed and practised the pouring
of water upon the kneeling candidate.
This practice is set forth as clearly as
possible in Peter Reidmann's "Account
of our Faith.” a full exposition of the
teachings and practices of the great
Moravian body, which from about 1547
enjoyed the highest authority through
out the brotherhood.
We have abundant evidence that
pouring (in some cases the mere
touching or crossing of the head with
the moistened finger) was constantly
practiced in connection with the
enthusiastic propaganda of Hans Hut
in Australia, Bavaria, Swabia, Fran
conia, etc., In 1526-27.
The anti-pedobaptists of the canton
of Berne that have shown extraordi
nary persistency in adhering to their
primitive practices, and that survive
to the present time, seem from the be
ginning to have been content with
pouring as baptism.
It is almost certain that Melchior
Hofmann practiced affusion at Emden,
and that this practice alone prevailed
among his followers; though the ves
sel "out of” which he is said to have
baptized three hundred In the sacristy
of the great church may have been
anything from a large cask to a small
pall. The word used corresponds
etymologically with the English "vat.”
The expression "out of” seems incon
sistent with the supposition that im
mersion was practiced.
Dr. Whitsitt (following De Hoop
Scheffer) has correctly represented
the position of Rothmann and his as
sociates at Munster in relation to the
form of baptism. The “Confession of
the Two Sacraments" is reprinted in
full by Bouterwek. “Water-sprlnk
ing" has in this confession full rec
ognition, side by side with immersion
as valid baptism. The actual practice
of Munster Anabaptists is correctly
given as a pouring of three handfuls
of water upon the kneeling candidate.
The testimony of eye-witnesses pre
served in authentic form is clear and
and ample upon this point. Dr. Whit
sitt lias given an impossible date
(1537) to Rothmann’s Confession, but
the error is probably typographical.
Tlie case of Menno Symons demands
careful consideration. A critical ex
amination of the passages referred to
and quoted by Dr. Whitsitt and Dr.
Jarrell, enables me to assert with full
confidence that in both passages Dr.
Whitsitt (following Dr. Burrage in the
one and De Hoop Scheffer in the other)
has given the correct translation and
the correct interpretation. The pas
sage from Menno's treatise on Christ
ian Baptism (p. 409 in the folio edition
of 1681; not p. 419 as In Dr. Whitsitt’s
book), can by no possibility be made
to mean what Morgan Edwards sup
posed It to mean. Dr. Burrage’s
translation is strictly accurate, and
the context shows as clearly as possi
ble that believers’ baptism is here
given exclusive validity against in
fant baptism, the mode of adminis
tration not being even hinted at. The
other passage from page 22 (Founda-
I lion book) is also given with entire
: correctness by Dr. Whitsitt (following
[ De Hoop Scheffer). Menno's identifi
i cation of “receiving a handful of wa
ter” with Christian baptism is un
quest tollable.
And yet in the long treatise on
Christian baptism,Menno speaks again
and again of baptism as a "water
bath," frequently uses the expression
"baptizing in the water,” speaks of
believers as “buried with Christ” in
baptism, etc. On page 419 he repu
diates the identification (attributed to
pedobaptists) of "the new birth”
with "dipping (duycken) in the water.”
In a Latin address to the reader at
the end of the treatise, lie writes;
"Here, most pious reader, by the most
bountiful gift of God you have the due
mode of baptism in the church of God
restored, which (the due mode of bap
tism) by the very long obliteration of
the times had perished.” Again he
speaks of "this celestial truth of Christ
believers' baptism,' for'many ages 1 >st”
as now q.t last “rediscovered.”
By "mode of baptism” he can only
mean believers’ baptism as contrasted
with infant baptism; for the entire
long treatise is taken up with argu
ments against infant baptism and for
believers’ baptism, and nothing what
ever is said as to the superiority of
one mode of applying the water over
the other.
it seems evident that while Menno
was perfectly aware that primitive
baptism was immersion, and freely
used such Scriptural language as in
volves the recognition of immersion
as baptism, he yet regarded a handful
of water poured on the head of the
candidate as valid baptism, and was
content to receive and administer the
ordinance in this manner. It is clear,
moreover, that he had no knowledge
of a succession of immersed churches
from the apostolic time to his own,
but freely admitted that believers’ bap
tism had been lost for ages and had
been restored in his own day. That
the practice of the Mennonites in Hol
land about 1608 was pouring, and not
immersion, is, I think, indisputable.
Tlie Dutch anti-pedobaptists that
from time to time appeared in Eng
land (1534 onward), were in the ear
lier time Hofmannites, and in the
latter time Mennonites. Nothing is
j said in the accounts of their doctrines
j and practices that have come down to
I us regarding their mode of adminis
tering baptism, but it is highly prob
able that, as in other matters, they
were content with the form of baptism
practiced by Hofmann and Menno.
A careful study of the literature of
the anti-pedobaptist movements of the
sixteenth century, extending over most
of my manhood years, has convinced
me that immersion commanded a very
small share of the attention of these
devoted people. It was practiced
sporadically here and there, but it
seems never to have been insisted
upon as having exclusive validity, ex
cept among the Unitarian anti-pedo
baptists of Poland (about 1574 on
ward). All the bodies of anti-pedo
baptists (with the exception just men
tioned) were content with the mode of
baptism practiced by the Reformed
churches. Their consuming zeal
against infant baptism led them to
ignore the importance of immersion
as the act of baptism. lam not aware
that up to 1574 the mode of adminis
tering baptism was ever a matter of
discussion among the anti-pedobap
tists. Certainly there is no evidence
dear along this line. This is not a
little remarkable, as a disposition to
divide on matters that seem to us of
less importance was all too manifest
among these intensely earnest people.
It is hard for Baptists of this age to
understand how these noble confessors
of Christ, who had so clear an appre
hension of the purpose and the sub
jects of baptism, and endured suffer
ings so frightful for their anti-pedo
baptist faith, could have failed to
grasp the importance of immersion as
the form of baptism received by Christ
and committed to his disciples. I can
assure the reader that it is a matter of
deep regret to myself that the facts
are as they are. I have the greatest
admiration for many of the anti-pedo
baptist leaders of the sixteenth cen
tury, and it would be in the highest
degree gratifying to me to be able to
prove that they were thorough-going
Baptists. But the facts are inexora
ble and we must be content to take
these Christians as we find them, to
glory in all that is heroic and true in
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX: THURSDAY. DECEMBER 3, 1896
their lives and teachings, while we
cast a mantle of charity over their
short-comings. They were not reg
ular Baptists, but they were thorough
ly Imbued with Baptist principles, and
were, in a very Important sense, the
forerunners of all that was best in
Puritanism and in the great modern
Baptist movement.
It is admitted by al) that immersion
was not only practiced but insisted
upon as the only valid baptism by the
Unitarian anti-pedobaptists of Poland
(1574 onward).
McMeaater University, Toronto, Can
ada.
WASHINGSON LAFAYETTE KIL
PATRICK, D D.
BY LANSING BURROWS, D.D.
A MEMORIAL DELIVERED AT HEPHZI
BAH ASSOCIATION.
The purpose of a memorial to the
distinguished dead is often but a col
lation of a great amount of
biographical data, interspersed
with statistics of varying inter
est. But it is better to know what
manner of man it was that impressed
himself upon the community in which
his lot was cast, than to be confused
with a recital of his many works.
These, Indeed, may reveal the man,
but only by inference. There are bi
ographical sketches of the brother,
whose departure has cast its depress
ing shadow upon our present assem
blage; and these will prove sufficient
for him who would trace his progress
from the sacred influences of a pious
parentage, through educating days,
through a Christian life of exact
ly half a century, tarough forty-four
years of Christian ministry, through
work in pulpit and in schoolroom,
amid a people to whom he dedicated
the labors of a life-time. He knew no
other constituency than the friends
and neighbors of Ins father’s home,
where he was content to abide, oblivi
ous to calls to other fields, taking up
the mantle of his distinguished father,
and entering upon the work of that
venerated man of God. So, from its
beginning to its end, his life was en
twined with that of the same people,
sharing with their joys and afflic
tions, and ending without a stain upon
a character that was open to the
closest inspection of a community
that had beheld the complete picture
of his life from childhood to ap
proaching age.
Washington L. Kilpatrick was the
eldest son of that remarkable man,
who so impressed himself upon this
Association of churches, as to gain
the title of its Father—a man of
probity, of intellect of unusual grasp,
of fervid spirit, and who furnished a
glowing example to his children in
devoted zeal to the Master’s cause. He
was born in Burke county, Georgia,
October 18, 1829, and was born again
October 4, 1846, while a student at
Mercer University. He became a min
ister of Christ, by ordination, in 1852,
and magnified that office in the lead
ing pastorates of our country churches,
in tlie region of his nativity and early
residence. Instrumental in the foun
dation of the high school established
by this Association, he was its prin
cipal for eleven years. He became a
trustee of Mercer University in 1869,
continuing thus until his deatn, and
in his latter years adorned the posi
tion of the presidency of that Board.
This bare recital conveys no true esti
mate ot the man; it may illustrate the
estimation in which he was held by
those who knew him best, and it may
convey the idea of
they tell
that grace and power wliTclT shone
with resplendent luster, and honored
the Savior with their undying influ
ence.
Our brother, in addition to his many
employments, devoted himself to the
unrecompensed work of preserving
the histories of our churches and of
embalming tlie memories of the men
who were pre-eminent among their
fellows as examples of faith and good
works. The minutes of our Associa
tion are adorned for many years with
the loving estimates in which he held
those who by their endowments were
enabled to contribute to the success
of the cause we love. Among his last
labors was the arduous toil of compil
ing in permanent shape the historic
records of this association. The hand
that guided that diligent pen lies
mouldering into dust. The retentive
memory, the appreciative heart, the
alert mind, are swallowed by the re
lentless sepulcher. A century of his
tory lias been rescued from oblivion
by his patient genius, and at the be
ginning of its second cycle, the work
for which he was so admirably adapt
ed must be intrusted to other hands.
Let his own record be supplemented
by our estimate of the man who has
himself perpetuated the memo-y of
so many whose attainments he ad
mired and whose graces he esteemed
and loved.
Dr. Kilpatrick was a man of piety.
Its peculiar type adapted him with
singular emphasis to the varied work
which had been appointed him in the
divine ordination of his life. There
was no feverish heat, leading by im
pulse, and therefore subject to con
ditions varying in intensity, but an
even glow, like the steady pulsation of
an admirable organism. Had he pos
sessed the same intellectual endow
ments, coupled with the same unvary
ing purpose which distinguish?! him,
in other chosen spheres, no avenue of
human preferment should have been
closet! to him. And such a character,
devoid of spiritual furnishing, could
nave spread an evil influence and
swayed hearts from the right paths.
In any calling he would iiave appear
e l as a marked personage and become
a leader among men. For this he
was endowed, not on v with gifts of
mind, but with a presence that was
the perfection of physical manhood,
and an address that was charming in
his mingling with men. To the stu
dent of character, the sentiment of
his venerated father can be appreciat
ed. when he declared as the result
of parental and scholastic training:
"I feel that the habits of my son are
sale.” What others might do from
the influence of a personal ambition
for preferment, or of a spor.ili’ senti
ment, was enacted by him from the
influence of a fixed principle, and this
principle was uniform throu<hont his
days.
It was this adherence to principle
that made him abundant in his suc
cesses in those departments of labor
to which he was called. From the
beginning of his active ministry he
was thrown in occasions of contention
and debate. It was not given to him
to be a skilled polemist. Others there
were who could do better in breaking
lances upon the field of religious con
tention. Such are not always the most
wise or the safest, in guiding the
minds of other. Conviction results
sometimes as the consequence of aerid
and bitter discussion; but a calm and
serene poise of character is needed to
follow such conviction with formative
power. A mind simply convinced may
not be a life trained in the sequences
of that conviction. Dr. Kilpatrick
found a great opportunity for his pe
culiar bent in those discussions which
seemed to separate brethren upon the
themes of missions, of education and
temperance. There were occasions
when he was looked to as the pilot of
a vessel plunging amid tempestuous
seas, churned by counter currents and
hollowed into yawning gulfs by mad
dened winds. In our peculiar polity,
it is not difficult for such emergencies
to arise, when the calmness and se
renity of the leader is imperative, if
rocks and shoals shall not bring the
precious freightage to wreck. The
public speeches of our brother in the
councils of State or associational
bodies were not many, nor were they
of length. With a few well-chosen
words he would state with wonderful
precision the gist of the argument, or
■by appropriate questionings expose
the fallacy of his opponents.
His convictions were firm. Posi
tions were not assumed without care
ful investigation, and were not aban
doned easily. Indeed, he found no oc
casion for reversing the decisions ar
rived at after the most careful study.
His path, therefore, while intrusted
with important responsibilities which
required maturity of thought shows no
trail of retreat. He seemed to know
by intuition the path whither duty
would lead him, what was desirable of
accomplishment, and what was in
cumbent upon his personal efforts, and
he pressed toward it; his path was a
constant progress. To such a great
military chieftain as Wellington, it
was necessary for him to first retreat,
before making that stand at Waterloo,
which made his name famous and de
termined the political destinies of a
continent. Our brother, with a power
of singular divination, grasped the
situation in which he was to do battle
with error and wrong, and knew no
necessity of retreat when his plans
were matured. It is possible that no
one has ever thought of Dr. Kilpatrick
In the capacity of a military leader;
but if the occasion had ever called
him into that sphere, he would have
ranked among the wisest of tacticians
and as a prince of strategy.
That he should have been uncom
promising, naturally follows from the
possession of these traits. He knew
no fellowship with evil. In his early
days of vigorous manhood he was
called upon to protest against the in
sidious worldliness which has since
obtained such proportions as to par
alyze Christian efficiency and destroy
that calm serenity of hope which is es
sential to the highest human joy. His
withdrawal from association with the
marked types of worldliness was de
cided, and while free from offensive
ness of denunciation, was clearly un
derstood. His manliness needed no
interpretation. Silent withdrawal
was more potent as a rebuke than
clamorous declaration of words. His
attitude at the polls, when unfortu
nately required by his principles to
attest his devotion to total abstinence
from strong drink, was as forceful.
There was no necessity for explana
tion of any action, nor could men fail
to anticipate precisely what his course
should be. He was able to maintain
his position upon debatable questions
without the blemish of personal de
traction or controversy. His zeal was
not of effervescing enthusiasm, but the
result of careful deliberation and wise
effort, conducted with a tranquility
which persuaded observers of the ac
curacy and the jus
tice
could" Tie moWWtrieved at variations
from the plamness and simplicity of
the Gospel. The commonly received
interpretations of Scripture, peculiar
to the fathers, he held with an assid
uity that promised no success to
strange practices or startling novel
ties. His theological opinions were
firmly established by an exteii.uve
study. He was reared in the atmos
phere of a stern orthodoxy, an 1 he
clung to it tenaciously. Not as the
result of a stubbornness which admits
of no alteration, nor of a superficial
acceptance of what had been dogmat
ically taught, by his instructors, but
because of extensive reading and a
careful weight of judgment. He was
a man who could be chosen as a safe
guide. He assumed no theologic.i po
sitio.. for which he could not gi\< a
deal and convincing reason. His
metho:! of thinking was Socratian, ap
pearing with marked emphasis in the
peculiar style of his preaching, which
ccnsisied frequently of quest'ons and
their appropriate replies. By this not
unattractive method, the minds of his
hearers were fastened upon uncontro
vertible facts, from which the neces
sary conclusions were drawn by irre
sistible logic. Without any glittering
endow'ments of oratory or rhetoric be
was always an influential and instruc
tive I reacher of the Word. When the
eloquent flights or the rhapsodies of
imagination in others, had passed
away from the minds of the people,
they could still remember the cogent
reasoning and unanswerable conclu
sions of his plainer address. He did
not seek to attract by the mere adorn
ments of his calling, but by the sol
emn truthfulness of the message
which he brought. That men should
esteem the cup more than the water
which it furnished was never his am
bition. Human necessities, to him,
were real. He preached, for men's
sake and not for his own. The things
of which he spoke had a present
meaning and were endowed with an
influence bounded only by the eternity
into which his hearers were go
ing. To preach was with him a
serious occupation. The destiny of
souls was to be determined by his ut
terance. While it was calm and dig
nified, it was not lacking in earnest
ness, but the earnestness was more in
the matter of the discourse than in
the form in which it was delivered.
Thus men were drawn to him with a
careful attention, and rose up from
his ministrations, sharing with the
preacher the deep solemnity of the
theme which had been discussed.
The consecration which devoted him
to the work of the ministry made
him especially valuable in the pas
toral relation. There is a strange
conception which defines pastoral vis
itation as a mere call upon acquaint
ances in their home, for social con
verse upon the matters of prevailing
interest. It is a definition which has
sprung out of mistaken ideas of the
pastoral relation. The equally as er
roneous conception which prevailed in
the early part of the century is also
partly’ responsible for this extreme
view, in that the former method was
stilted and instrusively pious. The
visit of the minister was a signal for
the cessation of all temporal busi
ness and the gathering of the family
for a deeply solemn season of exhor
tation. reading and prayer, and a
painful catechising of impatient chil
dren. The stated occasion was like
the introduction of an extra Sabbath,
or the observation of a day of humili
ation if not of fasting. The happy
medium, more apt to be the truthful
and beneficial administration of the
pastoral office, was well exhibited in
the habits of Dr. Kilpatrick. His
coming into the homes of the people
was marked neither by the frivolous
gossip of the neighborhood, nor the
strained and repugnant assumption of
a superior piety. He carried thither
the same earnestness of purpose and
determination with which he entered
the pulpit. If his theme of preaching
was a present reality, so were the
cares and troubles of his people in
their daily lives. His people were his
friends. He did not drive them from
him by unwise familiarity, or
chill them by unsympathetic stern
ness. He entered into their joys and
sorrows to share them, and not to
rebuke them for yielding to joy as un
seemly for dying creatures, or to sor
row as a rebellion against the inscruta
ble wisdom of God. It would bo im
possible thus to measure his influ
ence. The hosts who summoned him
to pronounce a blessing upon their
marriage vows —of those who, like
the mourning household of Bethany,
sent speedy messengers to bring him
to their darkened chambers of be
reavement —of those who yearned for
his coming while lying upon the bed
of affliction—of those who sought his
counsel in the entangled affairs of
their worldly business, who intrusted
him with the guardianship of or
phaned children or left to him the
management of estates, and desired
him to advise in all the kindred prob
lems of a defective humanity—all
these attest his marked superiority as
a pastor. His impress upon the peo
ple was one of sincere sympathy. He
won their confidence. They felt that
they had a ready access to him and
might obtain the best results of his
trained judgment. It was thus that
he was able to direct those move
ments which often arise in communi
ties in their progress towards the
right, so that success crowned his
efforts. The saloon which disgraced
many a cross-roads with its filthy en
vironment gave place to the vine-cov
ered schoolhouse, sweet with the pres
ence of guileless childhood. The tri
umph of law and order and the aboli
tion of the baleful barroom through
out the territory of his life-long labors
may be safely traced to his wide influ
ence and his ceasless labors.
(Continued next week.)
the
Any publication mentioned in this fit
partment may be obtained of tin
American Baptist Publication So
ciety. 93 Whitehall St., Atlanta. G:i
When prices are named they include
postage.
The Editors of the Christian Index
desire to make this column of service
to their readers. They will gladly
ans -ver. or have answered, any ques
tions regarding books. If you desire
books for certain lines of reading, or
desire to find out the worth or pub
lisher of any book, write to them.
Demon Possession and Allied Themes.
Rev. John L. Nevius, D.D. Flem
ing H. Revel! Co., Chicago and New
York. Price $1.50.
The first impression made by this
unusual book is that it is on a cranky
subject and that it will be simply a
foolish argument. As we read, how
ever, we become somewhat convinced
by the remarkable facts related, and
in no HttleAmeasure be*-
in our author's theories. The
theory is that demon possession is to
be found to-day in heathen countries,
and that these cases of possession
have many features in common with
those described in the New Testa
ment. The man who advanced this
theory was an honored and success
ful missionary to China, in which
country bis attention was first called
to the phenomena of so-called devil
possession. Dr. Nevins was for years
skeptical as to the reported cases of
possession, but was at last led to an
investigation. He collected, and here
publishes, information in detail as
to such cases from both missionaries
and natives. As such cases never oc
cur among Christians, and the Chi
nese who are not Christians are not
apt to call in the missionaries, few
come directly under the notice of any
but Chinese. What seem to be well
authenticated incidents are given. In
all of these there was a clear substi
tution of a new personality, a tem
porary possession, and greater inten
sity in the manifestation upon each re
currence. It is positively affirmed by
all that prayer in Christ’s name drives
out the demon, while no cases are dis
covered of a Christian being posses
sed. Similar phenomena are reported
in Japan and elsewhere. The author
then examines such phenomena in
Christian countries. He then takes up
the scientific explanation of these
cases and of modern spiritualism. This
last he believes to be a case of demon
possession along more subtle lines.
The whole subject becomes deeply in
teresting. While D. Nevius did not
write the final book on the subject, he
has brought many facts forward for
an explanation that has not yet been
given. We commend the book to
those interested in the curious and
mysterious, as well as to Bible stu
dents.
Things to Live For. J. R. Miller, D.D.
T. Y. Crowell & Co., New York. Price
SI.OO.
Dr. Miller is a man of much skill
in the presentation of the great com
mon heart themes. He writes for
people and gives unusually good coun
sel. He has piety and sense mingled
and flavored with a most delightful
style. Here are a few of the short
chapter headings: "Things That are
Worth While;” "Seriousness of Liv
ing;” “Blessing of Simple Goodness;”
“Why Did You Fail?” “Overw’aiting
for God;” “Blessings of Bereave
ment;” “Cost of Helpfulness.” Men
and women, young and old, who are
interested in life’s realities will enjoy
these books of Dr. Miller’s. This one
is most beautifully bound in white and
gold and comes in a box. It is admi
rable for a Christmas gift.
An Iceland Fisherman. Pierre Loti
(translated by Helen B. Dole). T.
Y. Crowell & Co., New York. Price
SI.OO.
Pierre Loti is a French writer of
fame. We believe he was an officer
in the navy when his first success was
secured. In this novel we are intro
duced to the fishermen of France who
go annually to the Iceland fishing
grounds. Their loves and dangers
live before us. The sea is brought to
us in its beauty, pathos and terrible
ness. The men are strong, simple and
clean of thought. It is a wonderfully
strong book and one to be read again
and again. It was our first introduc
tion to Pierre Loti, and we shall look
for other of his books w’ith much
pleasure.
The Bible of Literature. Richard G.
Moulton, Ph.D., and others. T. Y.
Crowell & Co., New York. Price
$1.50.
We regret that a subject so legiti
mate should be placed in a false set
ting. as is done by some of the writers
of these papers. The Bible cannot be
approached for a purely literary study
any more than a study of the human
body can be undertaken simply as an
animal and with a denial of humanity.
The Bible is a peculiar literature and
the world’s interest in it is and has
been because of its spiritual help and
its revelation of God. After we thus
conceive of it a study of its various
forms ot literary presentation is profit
able. Some of the papers here given
are very fine, indeed, while others are
of less worth. The entire Bible is cov
ered. The papers dealing with Gene
sis are pronouncedly of the higher
critic order, as is also the paper de
voted to Jonah. With these excep
tions, the radicalism is not pro
nounced. Among the best are those in
Isaiah by Rev. W. H. Cobb; “Luke as
a Historian.” by Professor G. Fred
erick Wright; “The Fourth Gospel.”
by Professor Rush Rhees; “The Epis
tle to the Hebrews,” by Rev. S. T.
Lowrie. and the “Influence of Biblical
Upon Modern English Literature,” by
Albert S. Cook. Ph.D. The volume
read with discrimination will be very
helpful, indeed, and ought to lead to
a more sure knowledge of the Bible.
The Quiet King. Caroline Atwater
Mason. American Baptist Publica
tion Society, Philadelphia and At
lanta. Price SI.OO.
We have here another of the many
attempts to portray the life of Christ
in the form of a story. Among the
many this stands out as one of the
very best. It is written by the wife
of an honored Baptist preacher in
New England. The treatment is rev
erent and helpful. Great care is ex
erciser! to keep within the bounds of
Scriptural teaching and legitimate im
agination. It may also be said that
this is one of the prettiest volumes the
Publication Society has given us. The
paper is good and the binding hand
some. Excepting Ben Hur and possi
bly Titus, we believe we would recom
mend this story to those who desire
such a treatment of the Savior’s life.
The Hero of Start Point, and Other
Stories. J. MacDonald Oxley. Amer
ican Baptist Publication Society,
Philadelphia, Pa. Price SI.OO.
This writer has made a reputation
for stories adapted to young people.
In the present volume we have a se
ries of short stories collected from va
rious magazines. Some of these sto
ries relate to heroism, others are re
garding animals, while some are dis
tinctly religious.
Dick. Anna Chapin Ray. T. Y.
Crowell & Co., New York. Price
$1.25.
This is a clean, bright, entertaining
story of a boy who wins the love of a
precise and maiden aunt, with whom
he is forced to live. The book has
some fun and much wholesome home
making sentiment. It will be read by
a boy with interest.
Golden Days. Weekly. James Elver
son. publisher, Philadelphia. $3.00
a year.
Golden Days ranks as one of the
best of papers designed for boys and
girls. It is different from the Youth’s
Companion and possibly reaches many
from its differences. Continued sto
ries are constantly being published
and choice_ are given. At
tention is also given to mechanical
and sporting matters. We suggest
that those wishing such a paper send
for sample copies to the publisher.
A Wonderful Cure For Kidrej Disease
and Rheumatism.—A Free Gift.
The Kava-Kava Shrub as previously
state! is proving itself a wonderful cur
ativefor diseases of the Kidneys or
other maladies caused by Uric acid in
the blood. This new botanic discovery
bids fair to change medical practice in
these diseases, and its compound Alkavis
is now regarded as a sure specific cure for
these maladies. We have many letters on
the subject from business men, doctors
and ministers of. which the following
from Rev J H. Watson, of Sunset,
Texas, a minister of the gospel of
thirty vears standing is an example
He writes.
•‘lu was stricken down on the 22d of June
with acute attack of Kidney trouble (uric
gravel). For two month I I lay hovering on
the border line of life, and with 11 e constant
care ot two excellent physicians. I only re
ceived temp-rary relief. My family physi
cian told me plainly the best I could hope for
wa< a temporary respite. I might rally only
to collapse mddenlyor might Unger s roe
time. But the Issue was made up, and as I
had for years warned others to be ready, so
now more than ever I must needs put my
house In order and txpeetthe end. Mean
time I had heard of AlkavG and wrote to
an army comrade (now prti clpal of a col
lege), who had tried it. lie wrote me bv all
means to try It as It had made a new man of
him. At the ei dos two months'and then
only ab e to sit up a little. I dismissed my
physicians and began the use of a Ikavls In
two weeks 1 could ride out In the carriage
for a short time. The Improvement has been
* * * constant and steady lam now able
to look after my business. If> el I owe what
life and strength I have to Alkavis. » • »
1 am flfty-flve years < id. have been a minis
ter over thirty years, have thousands of ac
quaintances, and to every one of them who
may be afflicted with any kind of kidney
trouble, 1 would say, try Alkavis.”
Another most remarkable case is that
of Rev. Thomas Smith, of Cobden, Illi
nois, who passed nearly one hundred
gravel stones under two weeks’ use of
this great remedy, Alkavis
So far the Church Kidney Cure Com
pany, of No. 420 Fourth Avenue, New
York, are its only importers, and they
are so anxious to prove its value that
for the sake of introduction they will
send a free treatment of Alkavis pre
paid by mail to every reader of the In
dex who is a sufferer from any form of
Kidney or Bladder disorder, Bright’s
Disease, Rheumatism, Dropsy, Gravel,
Pain in Back, Female Complaints, or
other affliction due to improper action
of the Kidneys or Urinary Organs. We
advise all Sufferers to send their names
and address to the company, and
receive the Alkavis free. To prove its
wonderful curative powers it is sent to
you entirely free.
V. E Orr, Atlanta, Seats Churches
and schools.
How To Git Gnd Teachers.
Write J. M. Dewberry, Manager of
the “School Agency,” Birmingham,
Ala , stating fully the kind of teacher
desired and what you will pay. Mr.
Dewberry will probably recommend to
you, free of charge, the kind of teacher
asked for and you may rely upon his
recommendations. He will recommend
only competent teachers.
i/A DEAF WESS
V ft. 1 1 Head Noises relieved by using
11 Wilson’s Common Sense Ear Drums.
v scieattiic invention; different
; A from ali other devices. Tneonlv t*a(e,
t £> l simple, comfortable and InvisiKTe
jEar Dru mi n the world Helps* w hert.
Imedlcal skill fails. No wire or string
/attachment. U rite for pamphlet.
THB / WILSON EAR DRUM CO»,
DRUM IN - 8 ’ lru t ’ Uuhwille. Ky.
POSITION ' >faee ’ I U 22 Broadway, Room SU4 N.Y.
Blood Pure?
i' Is it? Then take Ayer’s Sar- u
b saparilla and keep it so. Isn’t \
it? Then take Ayer’s Sarsa- {p
i parilla and make it so. One \
'' fact is positively established Jj l
/ and that is that Ayer’s Sarsa
' parilla will purify the blood U
J more perfectly, more economi- U
cally and more speedily than
i any other remedy in the mar
b ket. There are fifty years of <i[
i’ cures behind this statement; a
!i record no other remedy can
( show. You waste time and Ji
/ money when you take anything
( to purify the blood except
J, Ayer’s Sarsaparilla.
The Standard: The unrest which is
so evident in Europe, the widespread
feeling that possibly, in spite of all
the sentiment which has been aroused
in favor of international arbitration, a
general war is imminent, is the theme
of conversation everywhere. An
American traveler who recently had
an interview with Professor George
Adam Smith, of Glasgow, was sur
prised to hear him state boldly that
there are many things worse than war;
that the dishonor of nations, as. for
instance, the dishonor which had come
to England because of her indiffer
ence to the Armenian horrors; the
triumph of an unrighteous cause which
would have been achieved had not we
had a civil war here; and debasing
tyranny as manifested in the attitude
of Spain to Cuba, these all are worse
than war. But the fact that there are
now ninety-four peace organizations
in the world, will surely tend toward
the settling of difficulties by interna
tional arbitration.
How’s This 1
We offer One Hundred Dollars Reward for
any case of Catarrh that cannot be cured by
Hall’s Catarrh Cure.
F. J. CHENEY A CO.. Props., Toledo, O.
We. the undersigned, have known F. J.
Cheney for the last ISyears.and believe him
perfectly honorable in all business transac
tions ail'd financially able to carry out any
obligation made by their flrm.
WbhtATkuax, Wholesale Druggists, To
ledo, Ohio.
WAi.ntNG. Kinnan A Marvin, Wholesale
Druggists, Toledo, Ohio.
Hall’s Catarrh Cure is taken internally,
acting directly upon the blood and mucous
surfaces of the system. Price 75c. per bottle.
Sold bv all Drvgelsts. Testimonials free.
Hall's Family Pills are the best.
Slate, Paper, Cloth boards, V. E Orr.
Mwramiisws
V Two Sticks of
wood will keep
a flre
21 HOM
'• 'V.. .We have the
Tmost eeorornl
y oil Coni (Stove
JBL * We carry a
L > ■ 1 line
EL Mantels
/JQw/lk Tile,
Grates
—AND—
Fire-Place Goods, Gas and Elec
trie Chandalien.
fW Best Stove ot earth for churches and
schools
HUF.NIGUTT & EELLIN6BATH CO.,
ATLANTA, GA.
Write for information and mention the
Index.
HPIIIM Every man mid woman to try our
Ul IU 111. opium, morphine and whiskey an
tido e. Quit the new remtdies advertised in
every paper and use something that thousands
have been curt d wiih. Testimonials from every
state, perha s your nei.hbor. Treatt d by mail
or at dispvniwrj. H teen days treatment for S2.CO.
Cure guaraiit* ed in 15 to *U days Write your case
plainly. Address Amer can Medical Dispensary,
Mlmita t Georgia, 551 Decatur Street. Dr. J. F.
Roughton, Manager.
OiirSpecialOffer:
C‘ttage Phuier Set (white).§4.oo
6 Silver Plated Knivesl.2s
6 Plated Forkso.7s
6 Plated Tea Spoonso.so
3 Plated Table Spoons 0.25
6 Tumblerso.2s
1 Large Glass Pitchero.2s
2 Saltsand Pepper Shakerso.lo
1 Syrup Pitcher 0.15
6 Jap. Napkinso.os
1 Spoon Holder 0.15
Worths7.7o
Special Price on the Ar A A
First 100 Sets vU
A Cottage Dinner Set
Contains:
6 Dinner Plates, 6 Breakfast Plates,
6 Cups and Saucers, 6 Fruit Saucers,
6 Butter Pads, 2 Meat Dishes, 1
Baker, 1 Pickle, 1 Cover Dish, 1
Sugar, 1 Cream, 1 Bowl, 1 Butterdish,
1 Gravy Boat of the celebrated Mod
dock Porcelain, the best wearing ware
on earth. Absolutely warranted not
to glaze-crack from any cause.
To introduce this famous Al" A A
ware we will sell the first \ A Uli
100 setts as above sor W ■ U U
Order at once so you get the benefit
of the low prices.
Carver & Harper
79 Whitehall St.,
ATLANTA, GEORGIA.
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
Crockery, Lamps and Fancy Goods.
MORPH IN E»«t e .
S w Bouk ,„ cf Particulars, testimoni
als, etc . Free. Tobaccoline, the tobacco
G ' WILSOjiCHEMICAL
CO., Dublin, Texas. ISoctly