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About La Grande evening observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1904-1959 | View Entire Issue (June 21, 1917)
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 1917. LA GRANDE EVENING OBSERVER. PAGE 4 THREE .THE FORUM! SHOULD A CHARGE BE MADE FOR PARK 'PRIVILEGES JULY 4. La Grande, June 21. (To the Edi tor ) --Everyone has been talking patri otism lately and there has been much time and expense spent to arouse the people and urge them to stand by our flag and the government in this time of national peril but it seems to me that we should not forget our own people. There seems to De an arrangement by a few of the best of us to shut h wates of Riverside raark acrainst -the rest of the citizens unless they pay them an entrance fee on the Glor ious Fourth, the one day above all ethers that the park should be open to the public. There are many families who can not well afford to pay for the priv ilege of enjoying a holiday picnic and it seems to me that if the park com missioners' patriotism is not a myth, if it is more than skin deep and really comes from the heart and they really want to do something lor humanity in honor and justice to the public they will surely throw tho park gates wide open on the ono great national holiday, Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you. (Signed) GEORGE BALL. In Answer to Mr. Gibbs. La Grande, Ore., June 21. (To the Editor) I wish to reply to an article which appears in your Saturday's is. sue from the pen of Rev. Upton H. Gibbs in which he takes exception to my comments on the question of bap. tiam. I stated in tho (reported ser mon that appear! the former Satur day in your paper that the Greek word "baptize never meant to sprinkle." Mir. Gibbs claims that my contention is not supported by facts, or in other woids that I am misrep resenting matters. The reader will observe that the question in debate is one of philology and in order to be honest and impar tial I will proceed to show by the best authorities especially those who be long to the samo church as Rev. Gibbs as well as others that the posi tion I take is the absolutely correct one. Dr. Pusey (Episcopalian) says: '"The burial of the old world spoke of our co-internmont with Christ, the bursting forth of the new through the waters and out of the waters, our resurrection with him." Idorsheim (Episcopalian) says: "It was as if symbolically, in the words of St. Peter (1 Peter 3:21), that bap tism had been a flood, and he now emerged from it, indicative of a new life. Here, at these waters, was the Kingdom into which Jesus had en tered in the fulfillment of all righteousness; and from thence he emerged as its heaven-designated, heaven-qualified, and heaven-pro-! claimed King." . I Geikie (Episcopalian) says: "It was hence impossible to see a convert go down into a stream, travel-worn, and soiled with dust, and, after disappear ing for a moment, emerge pure and fresh, without feeling that the symbol suited and interpreted a strong crav ing of the human heart Jt was no formal rite with John. Past years had been buried in the waters of Jor dan." pp. 276-413-414. John Wesley (Methodist) said: "We are buried with him alluding to the ancient form of baptizing by immer sion. (Notes on N. T. Rom. 6:3) "Baptized according to the custom of church of England by immersion (Journal Vol. 1 p. 20.) Adam Clark (Methodist) says: "As they received baptism as an emblem of death involuntarily going under the water so they received it as an em blem of the resurrection into eternal life in coming out of the water." (Com. Vol. 4 N. T.) Dr. Wall (Episcopalian) says: "Their general and ordinary way was to br.ptize by immersion, or dipping this is so plain and clear, by an in finite number of passages. It was, in all probability, the way which our blessed Savior, and for certain was the usual ai;d ordinary way by which the ancient Chrstians did receive their baptism. (Hist. Bap. Vol. 1 pp. 570-571.) Jeremiah "(Greek Patriarch) said: "The ancients did not sprinkle the candidate but immersed him. John Calvin (Presbyterian) said: "The word 'baptize' signifies to im merse, and it is certain that the rite of immersion was observed by the an cient church. (Inst. Book 4 C. 15). Phillip Schaff, D. D. L. L. D. Prof, of Church History Union Theological Seminarv N. Y.. said: "The baptism of Christ in the Rivor of Jordan and tho illustrations of baptism in the New Testament are all in favor of im mersion rather than sprinkling, as it is freelv admitted by the best ex- cgetes, Catholic and Protestant, Eng lish and German." (Teach, pp. 55, 56) Luther (Luthem) said: "Baptism is a Grppk word. In latin it can be translated immersion, as when we plunge something into the water, that it may be completely covered with water. They ought to have been com pletely immersed." (The Sacrament of Baptism.) Alex, de Stourdza (Native Greek): "The verb baptize, has in fact, but one sole conception. It signified lit erally and always to plunge. Bap tism and immersion, are, therefore, identical, and to say baptism by sprinkling is as if one should say im- mora ion by sprinkling, or any other absurdity of the same nature." (Con. Sur LaDoe. et L'Esprit. p. 887.) Conybeare and Howson (Episco palians) said: "This passage cannot be understood unless it be bJrne in mind that the primitive baptism was by immersion." (Life and Epistles of St. Paul, Vol. 2, p. 169.) Chancellor Est (Roman Catholic) said: "Immersion which takes place in baptism, signifies and expresses, as has been said, the burial of Christ." With this array of unquestionable authorities how can any man claim sprinkling to be a mode of baptism T And if so why did not these scholars give sprinkling as one of the modes. Can you produce any Standard Greek lexicon that translates the Greek word from which baptism is derived to mean sprinkling? If you know of one please quote it. A question now arises if immersion, or burial, was the original and only mode of baptism, how come great and honorable representatives of the var ious denominations to adopt sprinkl ing in the place of immersion? Per haps a little history will answer the question Haydfock (Roman Catholic) said: "The church, which cannot change the least article of faith, is not so tied up in matters of discipline and ceremony. Not only the Catholic church, but also the pretended reformed churches, have altered the primitive custom in giving the sacrament of baptism, and now allow baptism by sprinkling and pouring water upon the person baptized; nay, many of their minis ters dot it now-a-days by filliping a wet finger and thumb over the child's head, which is hard enough to call a baptizing in any sense." (Note in Douay Bible, on . Matt 3:6 Chris tian's llmmersion, p. 210.) Cardinal Gibbons, said: "For sev eral centuries after the establishment of Christianity, baptism was usually conferred by immersion; but since the twelfth century the practice of bap tizing by affusion has prevailed in the Catholic church, as this manner is at tended with less inconvenience than baptism by immersion." (Faith of our Fathers p. 275) Immersion, by Ur. Christian p. 208.) Dean Goulburn (Episcopalian) said: "There can be no question that the original form of baptism the very meaning of the word! was com plete immersion in the deep baptismal waters; and that for at least four centuries any other form was either unknown or regarded as an excep tional, aliftost a monstrous case." (Quarterly Review, June 1854, Con cise Comments.) Dean Stanley (Episcopalian) said: "With the few exceptions just men tioned, the . whole of the Western churches have now substituted for the ancient bath, the ceremony of sprinkl ing a few drops of water on the face. The reason of the change is obvious. Not by any decree of Council or Par liament, but by the general consent of Christian liberty, this great change was effected." Dr. Johnson (Episcopalian) said: "As to the giving of bread only to the laity, he said, they (Catholics) may think that in; what is merely ritual, deviations from the primitive mode may be admitted on the ground of convenience, and I think they are as well warranted to make this altera tion, as we are to substitute sprinkl ing in the room of the ancient bap tism." (iBoswell's Life of Johnson, Vol. 8 p. 291.) Dr. Crystal (Episcopalian) I wish that all Christians would restore the primitive practice. The candid reader will see that tne original form was changed by the Catholic church, long before the Epis copalian church was organized, and the new mode was adopted by Metho dist, Presbyterian, Lutherans, etc., If am in error, or unfair in my con clusions the commonly accepted rules of interpretation are grossly vague and history is of no value. I think I have practically met the main points raised in Mr. Gibbs' plea for sprinkl- iner. excepting that portion that re fers to "Infant Baptism," which he associates with the change from the Jewish Sabbath to the Lord's Day. On this phase of the subject I would ask ! Mr. Gibbs the following questions which when answered will (I think) settle the question or at least shed much liffht on it: 1. Where in the N. T. do you read of any person, young or old being baptized who could not believe or re pent? 2. Can you produce any positive proof that there in one "Apostolic Father" who even alludes to sprinkl ing being practiced any time before the third century, if so give quota tion ? 3. If sprinkling, was a recognized form of baptism in N. T. times, why did not the translators of the Ameri can revision of the Bible in the year 1901 at least indicate so, and were they not scholars who belonged to churches that practice the new mode ? 4. In your reference to the Fenta costal case, was not the house in which the Aposties (had assembled) filled; and don't you think that such being the fact that there was an im mersion. Again is tnere not a ng urative use made of baptism, such as the expression, "immersed in debt." 5. If your contention for sprinkling is correct, why do some of your ablest ministers frankly tell us that sprinkling was substituted for the original form which they admit was an immersion? 6. In your illustration of ancient burial, you said it was sometimes done bv "castimr three handfuls of earth on a body." Now my brother! Was that a general cr particular US '!USk4 way? Was it tho way our Lord was buried, for our burial should resemble Hia. and not a heathen or retreating soldier? H. L. FORD. BARGE CANAL N-Y-OF L New York, June 21. (Special) An event, almost unnoted in the rush of world affairs, and yet of prime im- portanco, not only to New xork Jity but to the nation et large, occurred the other day when the long awaited Barge Canal was opened and this city at last became n real port of entry to the Great. Lake3 from Buffalo to Du- luth. "The Raging Erie, as up- state scoffers call it, now enters an era of new dignity as a "near" ship canal, Ever since the little old canal was first projected by Governor Clinton a century ago it has been variously re garded as a joke, a national wonder, and a "White Elephant" "Clinton's' Ditch." they dubbed it in derision un- . til the booming of a cannon at Buf-. falo, the last of a relay of guns' stretching from iroy w, uuw nounced an unbroken waterway from the Hudson to Lake Erie, and the final .conquering of the New York Wilder-' A tiny ditch it was, only four feet deep and j., , craft were little larger than whale-, boats Octogonemns still toll of the fLTaslToTs t ,,. iot hn niinv. ,.?l:r:r... "l"7 " u" Danics so snas uiey imu w no forced frequently. It was the rapid. iiw-ceu uei".i?. , LrHIloiL vx Miu&e uio-miuvwiu v j .... And it was an engineering wonder, , striking through 300 miles of terri - tory, much of U unbroken wilderness,! Driaging rusnmg rivers un k., ful aqueducts, crossing valleys on i high enbankments, cutting through , deep cuts and climbing from one level to another by long series of locks. And it made New York the "Umpire; State." It opened up the trade of J the West and made New York City J the greatest port in America. Before that Philadelphia was a successful i rival. Then came railroad competition. Be - fore the days of railroad regulation the canal with its cheaper operation- was a curb to the cupidity of early traction magnates. With this in view they deepened it to eight feet about the middle of the last century and made it eighty feet wide. Then tho progressives began to dream of ship canal and conservatives began to pro- test that the nation as a whole and i hi,huiiiii .i1-.ILj SATURDAY World's Greatest Feature D.W.GRIFFITH'S COLOSSAL $2,000,000 SPECTACLE m. meraiKe LOVE'S STRUGGLE THROUGHOUT THE V AGES Without a Doubt the Most Magnificent Pro duction Ever Shown Griffith's Only Picture Since "THE BIRTH OF A NATION" TWICE DAILY 2:--7:30 P. M. PRICES Matinee 25c, 50c EVENING Lower Floor, First 10 Rows $ .75 Lower Floor, Last 14 Rows $1.00 Balcony, First 4 Rows $ .75 Balcony, Last 4 Rows $ .60 ARCADE BBEBBBBEH not the State should bear the burden of enlarging and maintaining it A generation ago 89,000,000 was I wasted in trying to deepen it another I foot Tho $9,000,000 was gone before ! the deepened spots met and tho pub lic refused to spend more at that time. Finally, f-ftor a long wrangle between advocates of a national ship canal and those who favored a state barge canal with a twelve foot channel, the latter won. The work has dragged along for a dozen years and would still be dragging had not her emergency hastened it. Now besides permitting freight to travel from the middle of the contl nent to tne sea ana even to Europe without reloading, it enables the gov- eminent to utilize the ship-yards of the Great Lakes for building its smaller naval craft. Further than that, if necessary, torpedo boats, sub- marines and destroyers can readily be sent from the Atlantic to guard our great undefended lake coast-line. Recognition For The Observer. Portland, Oregon, June 16, 1917. Clarke Leiter, Editor The Ob Mr. server. La Grande, Ore. Dear Sir: The Oregon Publicity nmMlf f aa nnalina wvlfa tliaf ISA thank for kind efforts in h ub c ; ' o . . ' vnn VnvF,KnB " "V u:,i 5PT. !.. """ " . patriotic duty. It shows that Ore- h ' ,. ft Ljberty cum migii mi niu . a.-.j M. C. A. It will show it in the can . . . , es,.i -ruin PnIS" t,heed Cl9 Fun ; 1,1,8 i,& period which we hope will prove - , , memorable in American history as a eek of preparation and sacrifice. . T' - . . not be any too ready by the t.me that the casualt, -toUrf r boys in , r i fi'" 1 not fail to thus early in the war re- auze me seriuusiiean i ,.. Yours truly, w. n. Chairman. P. S. Kindly preserve the posters ' heretofore received ny you. , "FIGHTING SAMMY" KATCHER CHAMPION U. S. MARINES. ' . Philadolnhia, June 21. (United Preis) "Fighting Snmmy" Katcher, lightweight champion of the United states Marines, won his title in one punch, down in Nicaragua. Now he is busv urgine all eligible young men to rally round the banner of the "soldier- 3E & SUNDAY THEATRE ass ML sailors," and is using his gifts as an orator to win thorn over. Sergeant Katcher won hia title when the Marines wero on an ex pedition to the central American re public, right after a lively affair with revolutionists in which bayonets were used instead of boxing gloves. It took exactly three seconds for Katcher to convince his adversary that there was only one Marine lightweight cham pion. 'Since that tune no one nas dis puted the title. During a recent visit of Jess Wil lard to this city, Katcher boxed the champion three rounds; the big fel low, who is a friend of Katcher's, consenting to ,help along in the cam paign for recruits. In the language of the ring, "Fighting Sammy packs a punch," both as a soldier and re cruiter. LOCALS &' Advertising in Brief RATES Per line, first insertion 10c Per line, additional insertion 5c Per line, per month $1.00 No localB taken for less than 25c Count 6 ordinary words to line. Dance at Zubcr Hall every Wed nesday and Saturday nights. 5-18tf This is fino wheat growing weather and great soda water weather. If you wish your thirst quenched with a dish of ice cream or an ice cream - sunda0 or lemonade just drop in at Siiverthorn.s fountain. Adv. 6-22-tf Camp-Fire Girls Hike. The Otsego Camp-fire girls hit the open road and hiked to Perry Monday. There they built a camp-fire, cooknd their breakfast of sausage, coffee, and eggs, and then explored the surround ing country, visiting an old well And other points of interest. Twelve girls went on the trip. They started about 6 o'clock in the morning and were back by half -past 9 having a most en joyable time. Money to Loan. On improved real property In Union county, no delays, current rates. La Grande Investment Co. Adv. Peoples' Meat Market Moved. R. Ludwig has moved his meat market into his new location at 106 Fir street. p ill' ' (live "MAX, JO.RIE New Opportunities. Your favorite store is not the sanut store as it was this time last week. It is a BETTER STORE, with nw offer ingg, new angles of interest for you, new opportunities for savings, new chances for timely purchasing. "Read the eds." Ferns Ferns. New shipment of ferns Just ar rived at the store opposite Sommer hotel. Cherry's Florists. Adv. ""fi-20.4t. Reserved seats for "Intolerance" are on sale now at the Arcade. Adv. 6-21-2t. J. L. Mars, real estate and rent agent buys and moves houses. Prices talk. Adv. 6-7-tf. Second Hand Furniture. We pay best prices for second hand furniture. DYAL'S FURNI TURE CO., 404 Fir St. Phone BUck 8861. Adv. 12-4-tl Someone will be disappointed in not getting the seat they want for "Intol erance.'' You can reserve your seat now at the Arcade for either night Adv. 6-21-2t Letters From the Front The Observer would like to receive "letters from tho front" from the boys who have volunteered in the army, navy, marine corps or other branches of Uncle Sam's service Adv. 6-8-tf. A welcome is extended to all to at tend the dancing party to be given at Riverside park, Monday evening, June 25th, by the ladies of the Thursday Auction club. The proceeds are to go to the Red Cross Fund. We pay highest prices for hide and sheep pelts. Peoples' Meat Market, Ml 9 1-2 Adams Ave. Adv. 12-6-tf. Seats for either night of "Intol erance" can be reserved now at the Arcade. Adv. 6-21-2t Dance at Zubcr Hall every Wed nesday and Saturday nights. B-18tf To have a clear, rosy complexion it is necessary to give the skin the proper "food." Our preparations for the skin contain this food. Levy Vogel Drug Co. Adv. 5-24-tf When you need a hand purse or money purse you will see a nice lot of them at Silverthorn's Family Drug store.Adv. 6-22-tf. i