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> of the work , and by a protest from Ithe family . It has been said , Sir . ftobioson died an Unitarian , though certainly not in the modern restricted
ssense of the word . Mr . Flower , in his sensible and discriminating memoir , has set the matter in a proper ipoint of light . I have often regretted [ that tills biography of Robinson has
mot been separately printed ; it does justice to his calumniated memory . The Reviewer of the New Baptist
Magazine , though he is scarcely deserving * the name , falls foully on my brother lecturer , Mr . Gilclirist , for his treatment of " Dr . Walker , of
Dublin /* who is now , it seems , transformed into ' * John Walker , Esq ., of London" ! Mr . G . may have used sufficiently strong expressions on the subject , but he is fully competent to vindicate himself on this and on every other occasion , where he mav deem
it necessary . Indeed , one thing I will say in his behalf , that Squire Walker and his Anti-baptist brethren have been the aggressors . They must not complain on this topic . The recoil ought to operate for silent amendment , al * though hard arguments and soft words are the characteristics of a truly Christian controversy .
In my Introductory Lecture on the History of Baptism , I have , however , no reason to accuse myself of intolerance . My expressions are thus
pointed on the subject nt its commencement : " However important may be
the subject of Baptism , our investigation ; must not be at variance with Christian charity . This circumstance is noticed because here a greater want of temper has been betra \* ed than in
almost any other branch of theological controversy . We shall not , I trust , add to the number of
transgressors . For myself I shall strive to preserve ' the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace ; ' and I believe it is in my power to answer for my brother Lecturers with regard to their liberality . Our opponents , the
Paedobaptists , are an estimable bodyby far the largest and most flourishing portion of Christendom . The Church of England has been distinguished for its Tillotsons and Burnets , its Paleys and Watsons , luminaries of erudition
and piety . As to our brethren the Dissenters — t he Independents hfrve their Watt 3 and Dodklridgc , and the
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Presbyterians their Kippis and Rees th e ^ Jp Priee and Priestley , with many others , whom we hope to meet m heaven ! The soul here bewildered by fanaticism or shrivelled through bigotry , will there be enlightened ,
purified and enlarged , throughout the interminable ages of Eternity V \ Nor do I , Mr . Editor , feel disposed to detract a syllable from the character of the Baptists , deldaeated at the close of tny Lecture ; they afe the words of
truth and soberness , and I wish them recorded on the pagea of your increasedly spreading Miscellany I believe them to be an ancient , respectable and conscientious people , and have thus honestly proclaimed them to the world :
" From the survey taken of the History of Baptism , it is evident that ia every age the Baptists have had tbeir full share of persecution . The strangulating cord , the devouring flames , and the decapitating axe , streaming- with the Wood of its victims , have borne witness to their conscious innocence ! Covered with the
broad shield of integrity , he alone who sits- in the seat of the scorner can deride their principles or revile their conduct . They command respect , though they may not ensure veneration . Not indeed of the divinely-appointed ordinance of Baptism , but of the beggarly elements of the Jewish
dispensation , Paul exclaimed , ( 1 Cor . xiii . 11 , ) ' When I was a child , I understood as a child , I thought as a child ; but when I became a man I put away childish things . ' Our faith must be apportioned to the several periods of the church . The ways of heaven towards man are gradual and
progressive . The dawn g limmering along the horizon is ., notwithstanding its feeble commencement , destined to light up ami introduce the full blaze of meridian day . The disciples of Christ , realizing the apostolic
definition , that Baptism is ' not the putting away the filth of the flesh , but tlve answer of a good conscience towards God / have peatfe within themselves , and are safe ftor eternity I '
This my declaration , bold and unreserved , accords with the principles ot truth , and is hv perfect keeping with the pure tind ivnsuHied dictates « t Christian charity J . J . BVAN& .
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880 Dr . E&ans on the late Lectures on Baptism .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1826, page 480, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2551/page/36/
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