The author of this book is an aged French minister, for many years pastor of the evangelical baptist church in Mulhouse. Along with his pastorate he was deeply involved in archaeology – and so has two-fold credentials to write on such a subject. Though translated from French, the book is easy to read. We have never read a book just like this. We found it interesting, profitable and unusual.
The author deals with the subject of baptism from three different standpoints.
Archaeological. Being an expert in this field, M Buhler has collected evidence that the first baptisteries were large and deep, obviously made so for complete immersion. There are several most interesting photographs. Over the years, from early mediaeval times, the baptisteries became smaller and shallower, reflecting the change from baptism by immersion to baptism by pouring or sprinkling.
Historical. M Buhler traces the change in the style of baptistery as along with a change from baptizing only believers, till, in the end, baptizing everyone. (It was even punishable by death, under Charlemagne, to refuse to have a baby baptized). There are various charts to illustrate these changes.
Biblical. The author clearly shows the real purpose of baptism in the New Testament – not a sacrament, not cleansing from sin, not conveying grace, but the believer’s open profession of death to his old life and a desire to walk in newness of life – death, burial, resurrection. So originally the church consisted of true believers alone, baptized by immersion on a confession of their faith.
There is a call to return to the original pattern of Holy Scripture, which even the Reformers failed to follow.
This is an extremely useful book.

B A Ramsbottom
The Gospel Standard
March 2005