Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

Though "little children," they were capable of receiving Christ's
blessing. If Christ embraced them, why should not his church embrace
them? Why not dedicate them to God by baptism?—whether that be
performed by sprinkling, washing, or immersion; for we need not dispute
about the mode: on this point let every one be fully persuaded in his own
mind. I confess it appears to me grossly heathenish and barbarous, to see
parents who profess to believe in that Christ who loves children, and
among them those whose creed does not prevent them from using infant
baptism, depriving their children of an ordinance by which no soul can
prove that they cannot be profited, and through an unaccountable bigotry
or carelessness withholding from them the privilege of even a nominal
dedication to God; and yet these very persons are ready enough to fly for
a minister to baptize their child when they suppose it to be at the point of
death! It would be no crime to pray that such persons should never have
the privilege of hearing "My father!" or "My mother!" from the lips of
their own child.
It is easy to carry things to extremes on the right hand and on the left.
In this controversy there has been much asperity on all sides. It is high
time this were ended. To say that water baptism is nothing, because a
baptism of the Spirit is promised, is not correct. Baptism, however
administered, is a most important rite in the church of Christ. To say that
sprinkling or aspersion is no gospel baptism is as incorrect as to say
immersion is none. Such assertions are as unchristian as they are
uncharitable; and should be carefully avoided by all those who wish to
promote the great design of the gospel, glory to God, and peace and good
will among men. Lastly, to assert that infant baptism is unscriptural, is as
rash and reprehensible as any of the rest. Myriads of conscientious people
choose to dedicate their infants to God by public baptism. They are in the
right!—and, by acting thus, follow the general practice of the Jewish and
Christian church—a practice from which it is as needless as it is
dangerous to depart.