is on this account that the passage occupies a prominent place in the baptismal service of the Church of England.
The subject of infant baptism is undoubtedly a delicate and difficult one. Holy and praying men are unable to see alike upon it. Although they read the same Bible, and profess to be led by the same Spirit, they arrive at different conclusions about this sacrament. The great majority of Christians hold that infant baptism is scrip- tural and right. A comparatively small section of the Protestant Church, but one containing many eminent saints among its members, regards infant baptism as unscriptural and wrong. The difference is a melancholy proof of the blindness and infirmity which remain even in the saints of God.
But the difference now referred to must not make members of the Church of England shrink from holding decided opinions on the subject. That church has de- clared plainly, in its Articles, that " the baptism of young children is in any wise to be retained, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ." To this opin- ion we need not be afraid to adhere.
It is allowed on all sides that infants may be elect and chosen of God unto salvation — may be washed in Christ's blood, born again of the Spirit, have grace, be justified, sanctified, and enter heaven. If these things be so, it is hard to see why they may not receive the outward sign of baptism.
It is allowed furthermore that infants are members of Christ's visible church, by virtue of their parents' Chris- tianity. What else can we make of St. Paul's words, " now are they holy " (1 Cor. vii. 14.) If this be so, it