It is very difficult to conceive when we read this last command of our Lord's, how men can avoid the conclu- sion that baptism is necessary, when it may be had. It seems impossible to explain the word that we have here of any but an outward ordinance, to be administered to all who join His Church. — That outward baptism is not absolutely necessary to salvation, the case of the penitent thief plainly shews. He went to paradise unbaptized. — That outward baptism alone often confers no benefit, the case of Simon Magus plainly shews. Although baptized, he remained ^' in the gall of bitterness and bond of in- iquity." (Acts iii. 23.) — But that baptism is a matter of entire indifference, and need not be used at all, is an assertion which seems at variance with our Lord's words in this place.*
The plain practical lesson of the words is the necessity of a public confession of faith in Christ. It is not enough to be a secret disciple. We must not be ashamed to let men see whose we are, and whom we serve. We must not behave as if we did not like to be thought Christians, but take up our cross and confess our Master before the world. His words are very solemn, " Whoso- ever shall be ashamed of me, — of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father, with the holy angels." (Mark viii. 38.)
* I purposely abstain from saying anything on the subject of infant baptism. There is nothing in this text which can be fairly used either way in setthng this much-vexed controversy. It is certain that the missionaries of the Church of England carry out the meaning of this text as fully and thoroughly as the missionaries of Baptist churches.
The point settled by the text is not so much what ought to be done with the children of Christians, as what ought to be done with hea- thens when converted.