Beckwith, G. C. A Dissuasive from Controversy respecting the Mode of Baptism. Andover: Mark Newman, 1828. Second Edition. [5489]
Removed, wrappers retained, edges untrimmed, 5 1/4 x 7 3/4 inches, 35 clean pp. Good. Pamphlet.
"Discussions introduced among my people respecting the mode of baptism, had so far engrossed their minds as to check for a time a prosperous revival of religion, and threaten ere long its total extinction. To prevent this catastrophe, I dissuaded them from agitating such a controversy, and urged them to turn their attention to subjects of more vital importance than the mere form of a ceremony. The dissuasive was successful; and the blessing of God on a very humble effort gave a new and lasting impulse to the revival." - Explanatory Note.
The author is not defending a particular mode of baptism, but rather is attempting to persuade his readers that it ought not be a point of controversy between Christians, and certainly nothing to separate over.
George Cone Beckwith (1801-1870), b. Granville, NY; d. Boston, MA. Congregational minister and teacher, ordained in 1827 and at the time this pamphlet was written he was pastor of the church in Lowell, Massachusetts. He later became professor of sacred literature in Lane Theological Seminary, and afterwards instructor in sacred rhetoric at Andover Theological Seminary. He was for 33 years the secretary of the American Peace Society.