A Letter From Mother Tate Concerning Baptism in the Name of "Jesus Only"

P.O. Box 658
Nashville, Tennessee
Home Address: 1811 Heiman Street
North Nashville, Tennessee

Dear Friend,
Should you in life meet with people or persons who really believe or teach that all persons should be baptized in the name of "Jesus only," please give them to know with Bible proof, that this is a false report and a false belief, and those who believe or teach such are making wrest upon the sayings of Brother Paul and other scripters as spoken of in Second Peter, third chapter, verses 16 and 17. Now the broadest, truest, and greatest commandment given on baptism entrusted to man to perform was given and commanded through and by Jesus Christ Himself in St. Matthew 28:19.

The apostles had no commandment neither instructions from God, neither Jesus Christ to baptize anyone in the name of Jesus only. The cruel unconverted Jews had with cruel hands naturally crucified Jesus because they did not believe that He was the Son of God and they believed He had no Father, but was only and by Himself. So when the apostles would get those unbelievers to really believe that Jesus was the Son of God and was not alone, then they saw it expedient to not lay their hands upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost first, but to command that they first be baptized in the name of the same man that they had slain and hung on a tree. After then the apostles would lay hands upon them that they might receive the Holy Ghost and not before then. So the apostles commanded this among the Jews only, and to no one else, for there was no people so against Jesus as the unbelieving Jews. Now, let us ever be wise enough to understand the commandments given by Jesus Christ in St. Matthew 28th chapter, verses 19 and 20; also St. John 12:48 and 50. Be governed accordingly as Jesus promised to be with all ministers and among all people and nations.

Now, if we love Jesus we will keep His Word (St. John 14:23). "Sanctify them through thy truth, Thy Word is truth," (St. John 17:17). See also St. John 17th chapter, verses from 21 to 23; Acts 1:8; Acts 2nd chapter, verses from 1 to 4; St. Luke 1st chapter, verse 16; Numbers 6th chapter, verses from 1 to 4; Deuteronomy chapter 14, verses from 2 to 10; and Titus 2nd chapter, verses 14 and 15.

All you who desire to hear me preach or have me lay hands upon you that you be healed or blessed in every way, bow down on your knees and offer a prayer unto the Father, the Almighty God, in the name of Jesus the Mighty God, for me to come to you. Then get up and figure my expenses and write me.

I am truly,
The Chief Apostle Elder
Bishop M.L. Tate

May, 1925

(Lewis, Helen M. and Lewis, Meharry H., The Beauty of Holiness: A Small Catechism of the Holiness Faith and Doctrine. Nashville: The New and Living Way Publishing Company, 1988, pp56-57.)

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