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Observe here, a solemn action performed. Children are brought to Christ to be blest by him.
Where note, 1. The persons brought, children, young children, sucking children, as the word imports: They brought them in their arms, Luk_18:15 not led them by the hand.
2. The persons they are brought unto, Jesus Christ; but for what end? Not to baptize them, but to bless them: the parents looking upon Christ as a prophet, a great prophet, the great prophet, do bring their infants to him, that they may receive the benefit of his blessings and prayers.
Whence, Learn, 1. That infants are subjects capable of benefit by Jesus Christ.
2. That it is the best office that parents can perform unto their children to bring them unto Christ, that they may be made partakers of that benefit.
3. If infants be capable of benefit by Christ; if capable of his blessing on earth, and presence in heaven; if they be subjects of his kingdom of grace, and heirs of his kindom of glory; then they may be baptized; for they that are in covenant have a right to the seal of the covenant.
If Christ denies not infants the kingdom of heaven, which is the greater, what reason have his ministers to deny them baptism, which is the less?
But, say some, Christ did neither baptize them, nor command his disciples so to do!
Answer, That is not to be wondered at, if we consider that they had already entered into covenant with God by circumcision and Christian baptism was not yet instituted; John's baptism was the baptism of repentance, of which infants were incapable.