The Minister of Baptism. By the Rev. Warwick Elwin. (John
Murray.)—This is a learned and exhaustive monograph on a subject which in former times gave rise to vehement controversies, and which, though now, so to speak, in abeyance, cannot be con- sidered unimportant. (The book is an expansion of an article contributed by the author to the Church Quarterly Review.) The subject, it must be understood, is limited to the question,—" By whom can baptism be lawfully and validly—for the two terms are not co-extensive—administered ?" This question is discussed in all its bearings. The present attitude of the great divisions of Christendom is remarkable. The Eastern Church rebaptises, without any conditional form—which, indeed, it does not possess —all persons seeking to be admitted to its communion. It recognises no more validity in Roman baptism than in a rite which might be administered by a pagan. The only concession it would make is that, if the Pope and all his spiritual subjects were to submit to it their baptism would be accepted as valid. The Roman Church, in theory, accepts lay and heretical baptism ; but, as a matter of fact, always rebaptises. The Church of England practically accepts all who offer themselves for her communion, whatever their baptism, a practice which suits her general attitude, and has, indeed, much to be said for it from a practical point of view.
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