The Public Baptism of Infants, by the Rev. Philip E. Hughes, B.D.
This booklet of 15 pages shows that there is ample scriptural justification for the practice of Infant baptism. In his preface to the section—”Objections Answered,” the author states, “we wish to emphasise that our intention is charitable and not contentious.” The four objections usually waged against infant baptism are clearly and scripturally answered. They are: Objection 1: There is no case of baptism of infants in the New Testament. Objection 2: A clear New Testament command would be necessary if infants are to be baptised. Objection 3: Faith in Christ must precede baptism; infants are incapable of faith, therefore infants should not be baptised. Objection 4: It is a violation of the liberty of the individual to administer baptism to an unconscious infant who cannot understand the meaning of what is being done, and who later as a responsible person may wish to repudiate his baptism.
The booklet is by a minister of the Church of England and accordingly contains some points relative to the Anglican communion with which we are not in agreement, but all who wish to have in handy form the proofs of the Scripturalness of infant baptism should obtain and circulate The Public Baptism of Infants. It costs 6d and is obtainable from: Church Book Room Press Ltd., Dean Wace House, 7 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, London, E.C.4.—W. MacL.