ers' baptism were
right, I would as strenuously defend that, and be baptized.

As soon as I had time, I set about examining the subject. The mode I
adopted was as follows: I repeatedly asked God to teach me concerning it,
and I read the New Testament from the beginning, with a particular
reference to this point. But now, when I earnestly set about the matter, a
number of objections presented themselves to my mind.

1. Since many holy and enlightened men have been divided in opinion
concerning this point, does this not prove, that it is not to be expected
we should come to a satisfactory conclusion about this question in the
present imperfect state of the church?--This question was thus removed: If
this ordinance is revealed in the Bible, why may I not know it, as the
Holy Spirit is the teacher in the church of Christ now as well as
formerly? 2. There have been but few of my friends baptized, and the
greater part of them are opposed to believers' baptism, and they will turn
their backs on me. Answer: Though all men should forsake me, if the Lord
Jesus takes me up, I shall be happy. 3. You will be sure to lose one half
of your income if you are baptized. Answer: As long as I desire to be
faithful to the Lord, He will not suffer me to want. 4. People will call
you a baptist, and you will be reckoned among that body, and you cannot
approve of all that is going on among them. Answer: It does not follow
that I must in all points go along with all those who hold believers'
baptism, although I should be baptized. 5. You have been preaching for
some years, and you will have thus publicly to confess, that you have been
in an error, should you be led to see that believers' baptism is right.
Answer: It is much better to confess that I have been in error concerning
that point than to continue in it. 6. Even if believers' baptism should be
right, yet it is now too late to attend to it, as you ought to have been
baptized immediately on believing. Answer: It is better to fulfill a
commandment of the Lord Jesus ever so late, than to continue in the
neglect of it.

It had pleased God, in his abundant mercy, to bring my mind into such a
state, that I was willing to carry out into my life whatever I should find
in the Scriptures concerning this ordinance, either the one way or the
other. I could say, "I will do His will," and it was on that account, I
believe, that I soon saw which "doctrine is of God," whether infant
baptism or believer