said in the Great Iron Wheel, "It is a time attested axiom that truth loses nothing, but gains everything, from examination." Theodosia Ernest is an examination of the truth.

This book was written by A. C. Dayton. Born on September 4, 1813 in New Jersey, at the age of twelve he became a member of the Presbyterian church. Early in life he became a medical doctor but soon gave up his practice due to health reasons and moved to the south for its warmer climate. In 1852 at the age of 39 he became a Baptist. In September 1852, he wrote Theodosia Ernest. Ben Bogard said this was the book, "that brought him fame for all time." He died on June 11, 1865. His grave is located in Perry, Georgia.

In volume one Dayton brings forth all the arguments concerning baptism. In volume two he sets forth all the reasons for the Baptist position on the church question.

Why the great confusion about church truth among so-called Baptist churches today? You can find Baptist churches that believe no differently than Methodists except for the fact that they immerse for baptism. You can find Baptist churches that freely associate with and pattern themselves after Presbyterian or Reformed churches, except for the fact that they practice immersion. You find some Baptist churches that used to call themselves Bible churches, or Fundamental churches, or Gospel Centers that changed their name to Baptist because they immerse. You can find some Baptist churches that are changing their names to Bible churches, or Fundamental churches, or Community churches because they do not want anyone to associate them with the Baptists except for the fact that they immerse. Is immersion for baptism the only criterion for being a Baptist? A. C. Dayton did not think so. The baptists of his day did not think so either.

It is important that we restore the distinctives that set us apart from all other religious assemblies. Today the cry is to tear down the barriers that separate us from other Christians. What we ought to do is to build them higher. It is those very things that separate us that determine whether or not we are truly following the Lord. We have no right to change the commands of Jesus Christ merely to create a spirit of camaraderie. We have no right to ignore the teachings of Jesus Christ in a vain effort to show an inclusiveness that is not biblical. Doctrine (teaching) is important.

Did Jesus Christ establish a church? He said that He did. "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) If Christ founded a church, instituted its ordinances, established its officers, and commissioned its work, who has the right to found another competing organization? Indeed, who has the spiritual right to belong to any assembly other than the one Jesus authorized?

Carefully read Theodosia Ernest. Weigh all the arguments of the author. An open mind and an open Bible will lead you to the same conclusions he came to.

Reprinted in 1996 by

THE BAPTIST BOOKSHELF
P.O. Box #13
Nappanee, Indiana 46550
Printed in U.S.A.