The History of Infant Baptism by William Wall

William Wall’s History of Infant Baptism is a comprehensive study of the practice of infant baptism in the Christian church. The book was first published in 1705 and quickly became a seminal work in the field of ecclesiastical history.

In the book, Wall traces the history of infant baptism from the earliest days of Christianity through the Middle Ages and into the modern era. He examines the theological arguments for and against the practice and provides detailed accounts of how it was administered in different times and places.

One of the key arguments that Wall makes in the book is that infant baptism was not a universal practice in the early church, but rather developed gradually over time. He also notes that there were debates among early Christians about the appropriate age for baptism, with some advocating for baptism soon after birth while others believed it should be delayed until the individual was old enough to make a personal profession of faith.

Wall’s book was highly influential in shaping the debate over infant baptism in the English-speaking world, and it continues to be studied and debated by scholars today. Its emphasis on the historical development of the practice has helped to provide a more nuanced understanding of the role that baptism has played in Christian history and theology.

741 pages