My Dear —:

Answering your questions as to qualifications for administering the rite of baptism, I would say our appeal must of course be to the word of God for instruction in this, as in all things else which concern the order and welfare of His house on earth. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" (i Cor. i:17). This implies authority for both. The wisdom of Paul's refraining from administering the ordinance is seen in verse 15, and in the tendency of the Corinthians to exalt one above another (ver. 12).

Baptism by water being the door into the Kingdom, its full importance is given by the Lord, administrator both "in heaven and in earth" (comp. i Cor. 12:5), at the close of Matthew-the gospel of the kingdom. There in Galilee, upon a mountain, our Saviour conferred on the eleven authority to " disciple all nations, baptizing and teaching."

In Acts 13 :13 we read of "Paul's company"; and in chapter 18 :8 that " many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized." Who did the baptizing- Crispus, Gaius and the household of Stephanas excepted ? In Acts 20:4 seven brethren are named who accompanied Paul into Asia. Are we not to infer therefore that the brethren with Paul who at any time were his traveling companions took part in baptizing the many converts which God gave him in the cities of Asia and Europe?

The same as to Peter, to whom Christ gave " the keys of the kingdom of heaven." He preached on the day of Pentecost, and about three thousand were added the same day. Those under conviction addressed their question, What shall we do? to Peter and to the rest of the apostles. Peter answered, " Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ." We are not told how many took part in the holy rite, but is it not safe to say quite a few did so, seeing the number added ?

"Certain brethren from Joppa accompanied Peter" to the house of Cornelius, where "many were come together." As Peter preached the glad tidings, "the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word." After appealing to his brethren as to the fitness of these Gentile believers for baptism, "he commanded them to be baptized" (Acts 10 :48).

Here we are left in no doubt as to who baptized. These " certain brethren " were suitable men for this holy work-"fit men" (Lev. 16 :21), "men that were clean" (Num. 19).

From the Scripture thus far looked at we learn that evangelists, pastors and teachers have not exclusive authority to baptize. Other brethren may assist. Such should be. of course, men of piety, as in everything else which puts a man into prominence in the house of God. Seeing these things, we are persuaded that "certain brethren" in your assembly are well qualified for this service. Independence on the one hand, or officialism on the other, is alike obnoxious to God. A distribution of labor according to God-given wisdom secures blessing, holiness and peace among His people.