by Tom Wacaster
I have a dear preacher friend who is not married. While considering his marital state, and the awful misery he must be experiencing, I thought perhaps it would be better if he were married. I have happened upon a plan that would accomplish my desired end, and thought I might share it with our readers. Some afternoon, while he is sleeping, I will get some fine Christian lady to accompany me, along with the necessary witnesses, to his home. We will quietly sneak in and, while my friend in sleeping, I will put the question to the bride-to-be: "Will you take this sleeper to be your lawful wedded husband?" She will, of course, answer, "I do." I will then ask my sleeping brother, "Do you take this woman to be your wife?" Unable to answer for himself, we will permit the woman to answer for him. I will then pronounce them man and wife, awake my friend and inform him of his good fortune! Ridiculous you say? Absolutely. But is there any difference between the procedure in our imaginary intentions and what is done in the modern day practice of infant baptism? I think not! There is not one single infant upon whom the rite of baptism is pronounced, that is aware of what is taking place. Sponsors (usually the parents) take certain vows on behalf of the babe for which there is not one shred of evidence in the New Testament authorizing such a practice. When will we learn that only those who believe and confess the name of Christ before men are viable candidates for obedience in the watery grave of baptism.