In 1835, the Baptist General Tract Society compiled various pamphlets it had published into a single volume entitled The Baptist Manual: A selection from the Series of Publications of the Baptist General Tract Society.1 In tract number 45, “The Scripture Guide to Baptism,” a series of questions are posed concerning infant baptism to which the tract gives its Baptist answer. Question number 8 asks, “But if you refuse to bring children to baptism, do you not keep them away from Christ, and in case of their dying in infancy, endanger their salvation?” (p.47).
The answer following offers insight as to what Baptists before the Civil War might generally reply as both the spiritual condition of infants and the eternal destiny of infants dying in infancy (all emphasis original):
Answer. We do not. Christ said, in the days of his flesh, of UNBAPTIZED children, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." And he received these unbaptized children "into his arms," and "blessed them," and sent them away, still unbaptized; nor did he utter a word about their baptism; and he is the same Saviour still. Can a similar passage be found of baptized children? and who will say that baptism is necessary that Christ may receive them?
If persons die, incapable of exercising faith in the merits of Christ, either by infancy or mental incapacity, we know it is "the blood of Jesus alone that cleanses from all sin,” "neither is there salvation in any other." (1 John i. 7, Acts iv. 12.). And to suppose their salvation is effected, or in any way assisted, by the sprinkling of water, is not only opposed to the express declarations of scripture, but most dishonourable to the Divine Redeemer, and mistrustful of his ability and grace” (p.47).
1The full title is The Baptist Manual: A selection from the Series of Publications of the Baptist General Tract Society, Designed for the use of Families; and as an Exposition of the Distinguishing Marks of the Denomination. Philadelphia: Published at the Tract Depository.1835
being personally blessed by Christ, the little ones were 'safe' within His keeping . . .
it looks like the 'predestination' crowd does have some issues about the innocence of such children that Our Lord might not agree with . . . hence the need of such Calvinists to question whether or not the little ones WERE in fact protected through their possession of the Kingdom of God
comes a point where a man-made doctrine crashes against the Words of Christ and the doctrine doesn't hold solid
Posted by: Christiane Smith | 2013.10.02 at 01:05 AM
Christiane:
Appreciate your comments. Especially in light of the way I've observed your questions ignored on other "SBC" type blogs over the last couple of weeks.
Saw where the moderator and others commenting on one site just completely ignored your questions about the role of the Holy Spirit in their doctrine-centered discussions.
Would have engaged your question myself but banned from the site.
Your conclusion about "man-made doctrine crashing against the Words of Christ" is obviously borne of both experience and The Word.
Congratulations.
Posted by: Scott Shaver | 2013.10.02 at 10:42 AM