Page "John Smyth (Baptist minister)" Paragraph 8

Third, with his newfound position on baptism, a whole new concern arose for these “ Baptists ”.

Having been baptized as infants, they all realized that they would have to be re-baptized.

Since there was no other minister to administer baptism, Smyth baptized himself ( for which reason he was called " the Se-baptist ," from the Latin word se ' self ') and then proceeded to baptize his flock.

Despite this generally held view, Dr. John Clifford as cited in the " General Baptist Magazine ", London, July, 1879, vol.

81 ), records that " in 1606 on March 24, ... this night at midnight elder John Morton baptized John Smyth, vicar of Gainsborough, in the River Don.

It was so dark we were obliged to have torch lights.

Elder Brewster prayed, Mister Smith made a good confession ; walked to Epworth in his cold clothes, but received no harm.

The distance was over two miles.

All of our friends were present.

To the triune God be praise ".