The Original 1883 (First Edition) of
The Ecclesial Guide

8. -- Form of Procedure.

Where more than one come to the truth at the same time, the best course, in the absence of an enlightened assistant, would be for them to baptise one another. As to the exact form of procedure, in such a case, we have no New Testament guidance, and must therefore act under the general apostolic exhortation to do all things "decently and in order." Let persons in the position described (having assembled for the purpose) read a selection from the apostolic Scriptures appropriate to the occasion; then, in few and suitable words, let one of them ask God to recognise what they are about to do, thanking Him for the invitation to become associated with His son. Then let one of their number (all things being ready) ask the person about to be immersed, "Do you believe the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ?" When the person to be immersed has said, "Yes, I do," let the immerser say, "Upon this public confession of your faith, you are baptised, by God's commandment, into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, for the remission of your sins," and then let the act of immersion be performed. Nothing depends upon a set form of words. It is the believer's submission to the commandment of God that is counted to him for righteousness and union with Christ. Still it is, however, seemly that a Scriptural and appropriate description should accompany the act performed. The use of the form suggested secures the exhibition of some features of the institution easily lost sight of, and that are important to always hold in view: 1, that it is from the commandment of God, and not from the officiation of the immerser, that the act derives its validity; 2, that the essence of the act is the submission to burial on the part of the baptised, and not the performance of the burial by the immerser; 3, that there is, in the act, a public profession of the name of Christ; 4, that, until that moment, a man is "in his sins;" 5, that after immersion his sins are forgiven, and that he is called to newness of life.