The Occasion for Study of the Topic of Baptism
The Occasion for Study of the Topic of Baptism
Three events prompted Judson’s study of the issue of baptism while on board the Caravan. First, while he was in Andover he had been working on a translation of the Greek New Testament. This naturally led him to investigate the proper translation for the word baptizo.[11] Second, Judson carried with him letters from Dr. Worcester to Dr. William Carey asking for assistance from the English Baptist missionaries. Judson, knowing that the issue of baptism would arise, wanted to be able to give a just defense of his position of pedobaptism.[12] Third and foremost, although Judson was an educated and ordained minister, he personally had no ministerial experience. Thus, Judson for the first time needed to affirm what he was going to practice in the ministry. In the opening lines of his letter home he writes:
You will readily believe me, when I say, that on leaving my country, I little imagined, that I should ever become a Baptist. I had not indeed candidly examined the subject of baptism; but I had strong prejudices against the sect, that is every where spoken against.
It was on board the vessel, in prospect of my future life among the heathen, that I was led to investigate this important subject. I was going forth to proclaim the glad news of salvation through Jesus Christ. I hoped, that my ministrations would be blessed to the conversion of souls. In that case, I felt that I should have no hesitation concerning my duty to the converts, it being plainly commanded in scripture, that such are to be baptized, and received into church fellowship. But how, thought I, am I to treat the unconverted children and domestics of the converts? Are they to be considered members of the church of Christ, by virtue of the conversion of the head of their family, or not? If they are, ought I not to treat them as such? After they are baptized, can I consistently set them aside, as aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, until they are readmitted? If they are not to be considered members of the church, can I consistently administer to them the initiating ordinance of the church?[13]
These questions troubled Judson’s mind. He knew he had to arrive at biblical answers prior to beginning his ministry abroad. Practice based upon tradition or upbringing was not sufficient. Biblical truth must be the foundation on which Judson stood.