To the Reader

The first of these letters tells how they came to be written.

At the frequently expressed desire of the Christian friend to whom they were originally addressed, and also of others to whom most of them have been read, they are now given to the public.

Although some changes have been made in them, — chiefly in the way of a fuller discussion of a few points, — yet the original form and style of them have been retained. It is thought that he for whom they were first written is a fair representative of a pretty large class of persons who are reexamining the foundation of their faith on this subject.

Addressed, as they were, to a warm personal friend, for whom the writer entertains the highest Christian regard, it is hoped that nothing will be found in them to stir up any unkind feelings on the part of any of the writer’s Baptist brethren, for whom he has only love and high esteem.

These letters are not published in any sectarian spirit. The writer makes no objection to his Baptist brethren practicing only immersion. He would be glad if they, in like manner, made no objection to his practicing something else. It is the purpose of what is here written to show that those who practice sprinkling, or pouring, are entirely obedient to both the spirit and letter of the divine command.

E. B. F.