A CASE OF IMMERSION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1150, 18 September 1882, Page 4

A CASE OF IMMERSION.

A BAPTIST MINISTER WHO INSULTED A GOOD LADY. I heabd yesterday from unquestionable authority a good story of the Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, which is quite too good for private circulation. When he first went to Elmira, a good many years ago, he was somewhat free and easy in his theology, holding, as he still holds, that the life was more than the creed, and the department more than the dogma. One day a woman called and said she wanted to join his church. “Very well,” he said, “come in; glad to see you.” “ But,” said she, “ I must be immersed.” “ I can’t duck you all over ; no dish big enough.” “ Well,” she repeated, in a troubled frame of mind, “ I must be immersed

all over. I have been reading the Bible, and I am sure that the teaching is that we must be entirely immersed. ’ “ Then go and join Brother Hodgson's church,” he suggested ; they have a baptistry up there, and there isn’t any vital difference between us and the Baptists.” “ No,” said she, “my friends are here in your church ; I want to be with them.” He pondered over it awhile, and said, “ See here, suppose you go up and see Brother Hodgson, and tell him to immerse you bo that you can join us." So she went and spoke after that manner. “ Did Mr Beeeher tell you to coino up here for that F” asked the irate Hodgson in a loud voice. She affirmed that such was his suggestion. Very well I” exclaimed the affronted Baptist, getting warmer and warmer as he thought of the highly audacious proposition; “ very well I very well ! You go baok and tell Beecher that he’s mistaken if he thinks I am going to do his dirty work." The lady fled in terror. That evening her husband called on the Rev, Hodgson to demand satisfaction. *' No, sir ! I won't sit down !” he answered, as he came into the minister's presence ; “ did you speak of the immer» sion of my wife as dirty work P that is what I want to know f” and he slammed on the table and doubled up the two fingers of his right hand as if about to wring the clerical nose with them. Mr Hodgson backed to the other corner of the room, near the open door, and explained that he meant no offence ; he merely meant, etc., etc.; in a Pickwickian sense, and for the dignity of his denomination, etc., etc.; but he would be most happy, etc., etc.

“ No I I’ll be d—hanged if you do !" exclaimed the wrath-stricken visitor, jamming the door with his fist. “You will never put a teaspoonful of water on any of my family. And you indulge in any more of your side remarks and I’ll ‘dirty work ’ you.” Then he left.