CHAP. I

BEfore we enter upon this, we would premise some things, first in reference to our selves, to prevent, if may be, jealousies and misconstructi­ons, as to us, and these matters; one or two things also, relating to the Question here un­der debate. First then.

We are not ignorant that some of the best Learned and Godly Divines, Mr. Calvin beyond the Seas, and at home a­mongst § 1 us excellent Perkins, Amesius, (we will name no Gal. 3. 8. Amesius lib. 4. cap. more) hold for the Affirmative, That the Children of wicked Christians, though born in Fornication, may be baptized: But then, which the Reader should observe. That learned man gives two Cautions for s [...]curing the Church, as to the bringing up these Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, which were never to this day observed, so far as we have heard: and we have very little or no hope at all, that ever these can be observed. So then, we hope, though we do oppose this Tenent, That all Infants are [...]o be admi [...]ed to Bap­tism, yet we shall not oppose the drift and intent of these Ex­c [...]llent Men, which und [...]ubtedly was, That all things be done in the Church of Christ Stewards like, decently and in order: For since the Sacrament of Baptism, as well as that of the Lords Supper, is a badge to sh [...]w ou [...] separation from the world, all profane societies therein; and to signifie our Com­munion one with another visibly in the profession & confessi­of the Faith, as our spiritual Un [...]on and Communion with Christ our Head mystically; Therefore the administration thereof should be such, as should suit the Nature of the Ordi­nance, and serv [...] the end of it: And this cannot possibly be, as we conc [...]ive, unlesse these Children born of debauch [...]d Pa­rents, and now admitted to Baptism, be taken out of the hands of those Parents, and committed into the hands of those that are found faithful. And this be spoken in the first place, That the Cautions or Provisoes these Godly Men have put in here, That the Church of Christ may have no detriment, may be as well observed, as their holding for the Affirmative is. That all Children born in a Church are to be baptized there­in.

We do heartily professe our shallowness, that we cannot § 2 each, that dist [...]nction we find made of a Church: there is Eccl [...]sia, locens & Ecclesia ut ens though we think the English of it i [...], That in what part soever of the world, the word of God is purely taught, there a Church is; [...]nd yet Ecclesia utens the Church indeed, which maketh an holy use and faithful [Page 5] improvement of all that was spoken to their ears: But we would adde a third, there is an Ecclesia abutens, visible eve­ry where, which abuseth what they hear, wresting and per­verting of it, as they do all the Scriptures to their own de­struction: and these will be called a Church too, a malignant Church say we, being declared enemies to the crosse of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that their Children are not to be ad­mitted to baptism is our perswasion and we shall tell you in all humlity, we hope, what ha [...]hled us to this perswasion, and confirmed us therein.

In the third place, this we suppose may be urged against us § 3 also. That we meddle in matters belonging not to us; this pertains to the Ministers o [...] Christ, who are, or who are not to be admitted as aforesaid.

To this we humbly reply, That though this belongeth pri­manly and chiefly to the Ministers, yet not wholly and solely: unto them, bu [...] to them also who are by th [...] good hand [...] of God with the word of his grace, add [...]d to the Church [...]nd now in Gospel-Communion with Him. These will, with their Pastors leave, which they have, and indeed reasonably it cannot be denyed unto them, s [...]e to it, with all their ey [...]s, and all little enough, and be careful with all their care, That those Ordinances of Christ be k [...]pt pure, and given forth to them, who can make out their right and title there­unto; and not to Dogs and Swine, unclean and fi [...]thy ones, that do wallow in all the polutions of the wo [...]ld, while yet they profess themselves Be [...]ievers, D [...]sciples and Saints, but in works they d [...]ny Him, being abominabl [...] and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. Nor to these neither, who, though not so soul and n [...]ysom as the former, but to the eye pretty fair and clean, yet, known enemies to the Cross of Christ, m [...]nding earthly things, turning their backs upon the Ordinance of p [...]e [...]ching, which is the Charriot that carries Chri [...]t up and down the world, and setting their faces stedfast­ly to the Font and Table of the Lord: We think it our Duty, nay we had almost said, we know it so to be, to do in these matters of Christ as aforesaid; else how can we answer the Charge of the Lord unto us (having wrought so graciously [Page 6] for us) to do our utmost to promote the word of his grace, that it may run and be glor [...]fied, and that all which obstructeth the way thereof may be removed out of the way; and nothing so much obstructive in our fight as these, more then rude, very barbarous intrusions, made upon the Font and the Lords Table.

But is not this some intrusion upon the Ministers Office? 1 surely no; for God forbids us to intrude there; The Lord hath used him as an instrument in his hand, to bring us over to Himselfe.

And now what should we do for the Lord and for the ser­vants of the Lord? we stand through the supply of the spirit, ready gift in our spirits, to do Him all the service we can, and not the least disservice for a world: and we know not how to perform this service any other way, then in being helps un­to Him, to help on the work of the Lord in our own and o­thers hearts, and the Interest of Christ there, and, if we would, through th [...] world, as becommeth fellow helpers to the truth, That we may shew forth the praises of Him, who hath called [...] out of Darkness into His marvellous Light. As for ruling we meddle not with it, it is the halfe of His Office, and as our duty is, we leave it to him; onely we humbly, and as be­ [...]ometh, give our advice, being called there unto, with submis­sion still to better judgement; and all this cannot but be well pleasing to him that desires and endeavours to walk before God in all pleasing: i [...] is a sore charge in our opinion, which the old Disciple layeth against Diotrophes, he would refuse to take in, and take upon him to cast out, as he pleased, giving no account of his matters, what he pleased h [...] did, and he did all, and not any other with him, so the Church, all the fellow helps to the truth there, stood as they were accounted by Him, but as Cyphers; above an Apostle he was in his own concei [...]. The beloved Disciple little less then stigmatizeth him for this; for he sets the mark of a wicked man upon him vers. 11. an e­vil man he did never see God. Indeed he q [...]e forgot the practice of his betters (though he would seem to be better then they, and in authority above the Apostles) as alway [...] it i [...], the worse a man is, the prouder he is, and Diotrophes like; The [Page 7] Apostles did not do so, though without presuming, they might have taken as much upon them in Church matters, as any who­soever, being guided by an infalliable spirit, [...]d carried (such we have heard is the imports of the word) as in the arms of 2 Pet. 2. 21. the holy Ghost. Yet these Apostles would do nothing, no not in the most ordinary matters, but adviling first with the Church: As in the choice of Deacons to take the oversight of the poor. (As office is then in season, and very welcome to the Church when they see the need of it) The twelve called Acts. 6. [...]. the multitude of the Discipl [...]s unto them. And if in those matters of so low conc [...]rnment, in comparison, they would consult with th [...] Church, How much more in such matters as so highly rela [...]e to Christ and His Church; in the giving forth the S [...]als of his Body and Blood. Now truly Sir, we must crave leave to speak freely here, and tell you what we think, That you and your Brethren of your way and perswasion do take too much upon you: we cannot tell whether you do advise with any one godly Man in your parish about the ordering of Church matters: possibly if you did—but we forbear, onely let us remember you, counsel does well here also, & plus viderit oculi quam oculus: Therefore we cannot forbear to tell you, so much [...]e love you, how that learned man conscionates the sons of men, that are ex [...]lt [...]d in government over their brethr [...]n, that they take heed of a lifted up spirit, the greatest closer of the heart against the truth of Mr. Owen of Fol. pag. 72. God. He hath promised to teach the humble and the lowly in mind, the proud He beholdeth afar off.

Therefore Sir, we shall endeavour to hold forth our pra­ctise 2 as to these matters, and hold fast thereunto, as [...]enatious­ly to our power, as you read he did the Ship, when his arms were c [...]t off, he held it with his teeth, so we with our hearts do as well, and hold as fast.

You may be pleased to remember withal, your own charge upon us, and what weight it must needs carry with us, give me Scripture ground for your practise, else I shall count it but a meer tansie and phantastick practise. And truly well you may so do, if we cannot shew you the rule by which we pra­ctise, and order our doings, and this from the Scriptures of [Page 8] God. But yet you see we had gone on after our m [...]nner and said nothing till you charged us to speak and give you the rea­sons of our doings. We will close this with a Comparison, As in a Lords house on earth, there is but one Seward by office, yet every child and servant in the house are, or should be stew­ards by fidelity: so of a Church in a Parish there is but one Steward by office, yet every one is bound upon account of their Stewards-like fidelity to have a common ca [...]e of the ho­nour and welfare of Gods house. § 4

This more we would say for our selves, If we should be thought to deal too strictly with your Believers, Disciples and Saints, we are to be understood speaking of those Believers at large, who can make no other proof of their Faith, but that their faces were sprinkled with water: nor that they are D [...]s­ciples and Saints, but in your account onely, and their own, because you call them so, and so deal forth unto their little ones, and to themselves at the Lords Table: Now you know a bare name without a real thing, is a most ridiculous thing. He that hath Name and Thing, Form and Power of Godlinesse. he is the right man, the true Christian. Yet be it known to you and them, and all men, we are more prone to mourn over them, then to laugh at them: We look not at them with con­tempt, but with compassion: nor shall we bear witness a­gainst them, or your dealings out to them, in p [...]int of Church administrations, in words, which our own spirits, too prone to contempt and contumely, but which holy Scripture sug­gesteth in § 5

And in the last place, If any thing be spoken by us unbe­comming the meanness of our persons, let it be understood as it is meant, and intended against Mr. Humphreys onely (and those fully of his way and judgment) who hath de [...]lt so rudely (to say the least) with our blessed Lord and Mast [...]r in Hea­ven.

To this work now in the Strength of God we will gird up § 6 our selves, and as he shall enable, open our mouths and speak. And yet we would speak one word more for our selves, you, have laid this charge upon us to give you an account of our doings, and indeed to us properly it doth belong, for if we spel [Page 9] should not, who should? being in a brotherhood, and Go­spel communion together; And yet be it known unto you, This we do without the least reflection upon others, of whom we have an honourable account pertaking of the s [...]me per­sons Faith with us, though not in a fellowship with us, being not perswaded in their hearts to that thing. Notwithstanding we acc [...]unt them Saints, and so fit matter for a Church, vi­sible Saints, yet have they not the formality of a Church till they shall joyn themselves with Gods people, Ti [...]l this be, Saints they are, as is meet for us to judge, but as others do here and there and every where, scattered up and down the face of the earth, like scattered stones in the streets, or tim­ber felled in the woods, as yet there is neither wall made up nor frame erected, to use precious Hookers words. But they cannot, to our seeming, make up a visible communion, nor pertake of Gospel Ordinances, till they are in communion and Gospel fellowship one with another. This invisible com­munion by Faith makes up the Church Militant taken mysti­cally; and it is but one in all the world. But the Church we are to attend, must be visible, so many as may comely meet in on [...] place, who as they have the right to all ordinances, so they [...]ay enjoy the use of them in Christ His order; but these must be joynted and imbodied first, and then eng [...]ge them­selves as members one of another, to promote the good of the whole, or else members actual [...]y they are n [...]t, nor can they b [...] called a Body any more then poll [...]shed stones and hew­en timber how comely soever p [...]epared, can be called an House, bu [...] when they are compacted a [...]d conjoyned toge­ther, and the whole frame reared, then it is an House: so when we are joyned together and walk as friends up to our rule in Gosp [...]l communion then we may be called a Body; And this be said to assure, we censure not others in t [...]e least tha [...] are not joyned with us, and we hope they are as f [...]r from censuring us; And so we proceed towards our work.

Y [...]t here also we shall promise th [...]s, That because thi [...] q [...] ­stion § 7 more then leans, it bears hard upon a National Church, That we [...]re as the J [...]ws were a Church, al [...] holy, be [...]g Be­lievers, Disciples and Saints, for we are bapt [...]z [...], we shou [...]d [Page 10] in due orde [...], be clear of this point first, but that we have nei­ther time for it, nor can we think our selves sufficient to it, yet we crave leave humbly to give our opinion by the way and in passage only, That although we do account all England a Church and every parish there may have the same denomi­nation with the whole, being an homogeneal part of the same, (though we think it more proper to say, A Church may be in a Parish rather th [...]n the whole Parish a Church) yet let [...] pass for this time, every Parish is a Church in N [...]me, else we should make the State of England, as we conceive, the same with a faithless and Pegan State, whereunto the word of Gods grace never came, the light of h [...]s glorious Gospel never See Chap. 6. shined: And yet we cannot think that the Church of Eng­land, is as the Church of the Jews was, but a great difference betwixt them, which is not a time or place here to set down, because we study brevity: But indeed our thoughts were ever since we could, through grace, give Law unto them by the Scriptures, That to be of a National Church, and to be of the World are equivolent tearms, and of the same import: and therefore to be of such a Church (as we can pretend no more) gives us no more right to the Seales of the Covenant, then that we are of the World, but of this hereaft [...]r. Yet because your selfe Sir, and others, Mr. Baxter and the like, are so confident herein, That England is as the Jewes were, a Na­tional Church, and are so ready girt to dispute with whom­soever, so say you, and so saith Mr. Baxter in his Book for Baptism, I challenge any, and undertook to make good against him, saith he, and so boastingly, for he is, as you are, a very confident man, as if he had won the field, and had been putting off his harness: We were saying, because you are so confident herein, and can produce Scripture to bear out your confidence, we oppose not, not against Scripture sure, when, For with your patience, we crave leave to say, That were that we see it, only this we would humbly beg of you, That you would do your utmost to procure for us a national Discipline, such as the Jews had by Gods own appointment being a Nati­onal Church; [...]nd the difference would be as soon ended as be­g [...]n; nor need you trouble your selvs with Scripture allegations, [Page 11] Discipline in force amongst u [...] many of these who now [...]oud on with the throng to the Lords Tabl [...], being Believers, Di­sciples and Saints in common account, should be, before the next moneth come about, cut off with the rod of that Disci­pline, and more then like some of their Ministers made longer by the neck, or shorter by the head. He that blasph [...]meth Lev. 24. 16. the name of the Lord, shall surely be pu [...] to d [...]ath: We hope and are confid [...]nt you have none such a [...]ongst your Commu­nicants Numb. 15. who revile their God, piercing the honour and glo­ry o [...] them [...] hig [...], and this willingly and w [...]lfully. Y [...]t e [...]quire you may whether some of those you call Beleevers, D [...]ciples and Sa [...]nts fear [...]o [...] to speak amiss, of this glorious and f [...]ar [...]ul Name, the Lord thy God, blaspheming the way of Truth, which is so contrary to their own: surely th [...]se would be cut off with the rod of that discipl [...]ne; und [...]rsta [...]d i [...] how you w [...]l [...], w [...] b [...]lieve they would be cut [...]ff. The cu [...]sed swearer woul be cut off, in whose mou [...]h that blessed Name is not heard bu [...] in an oath yet b [...]ing a baptiz [...]d, a w [...]shed heathen, he may hav [...] admitta [...]c [...] with the Hear [...] to pass on to the Lords sable: this would not b [...] so, if w [...] had th [...]t National Discipl [...]ne. He that presumptio [...]sl [...] prophaneth the Lords day, and he is a Legion, for he is man [...], a [...] common with those n [...]minal Beleeve; D [...]ciples and Saints, as is the high way, or walking in the streets.

H [...] [...]hat test [...]fieth [...]a [...]sl [...] against his Brother, the [...]ame Law for him, as of a M [...]h [...]rer; a sin very common amongst 3 these Beleeve [...]s, D [...]c [...]ples and Sa [...]n [...]s, whos [...] word we must D [...]ut. 19. take, that s [...]ch they are, th [...]y will speak truly of themselves; though falsely of their brother.

A son of B [...]lial, a Glu [...]on and a Drunkard, a Legion too, 4 for he is many, and helps to make up the number of these B [...] ­l [...]evers, Deut. 21. D [...]sciples a [...]d Saints

Idola [...]ers must com [...] [...]nto [...]his list also, Deriders, as once 5 they were, so now of the Lord Christ and h [...]s Word: coveto [...]s Luk. 16. men, minding earthly things.

The man that is worse then an Infidel, must fall under this 6 rod o [...] D [...]scipline too, he may l [...]p wi [...]h his l [...]f [...], but not with­out a sharp censure, for he provideth no more for the Souls [Page 12] of his family then he doth for the cloathing the back of his Oxen and Swine; It is a question whether he knows his own soul, that it serves him for any other purpose, then to keep his body sweet: Yet put him to the question, are you a Christian? do you know Christ? do you believe in his Name he wil say yes to all this, yet knows nothing of what he saith.

O Sir, but we forbear Christians without Christianity, or Chr [...]stiany without Christ, Beleevers without Faith, Disci­ples, that is, followers of Christ, learners of him, and yet have learn [...] nothing from him; as if we should say, Disciples with­out Discipline, Saints in name, Swine indeed, as very D [...]vel [...] as Judas wa [...] one. We crave leave a little further to press on our suit for a National Discipline, for we find our spirits not a little stirred within us; when we have consul [...]ed with Numb. 25. and D [...]ut. 13. and therewith have compared false Teachers not a few amongst us, who thrust [...]ut of the way, if not by your Doctrine, yet by their pract [...]ce, the Lord our God commandeth us to walk in, we do question the matter, whether many that go for heads and gu [...]des of the people should not be hanged up before the Lord, against the Sun, had we that Discipline in force, as those were in the fore­mentioned places. Dear Sir, help on what you can a National D [...]scipline as you do a National Church, for you ma [...] dispute it with any man living, and carry it too, That a National Cal. Inst. lib. 4. cap. 12. Ames. de Consc. cap. 29. Jer. 29. 22. Church and a National Discipline should go together: Deale with Mr. Baxter about this matter, and take your good friend honest Mr. N. to you, vis unita fortior, like a trebble cord, and little enough to help on this despised thing Discipline, yet till this be, never look to discern the face of a Church all over the Nation; that whic [...] may be seen, it will look like the sluggards fi [...]ld: You'r be easily entreated to this service, you would be rid of those Vophines and Phine [...]asses, these Zedekiahs and Ahabs, whom the King of Babylon roasted in the fire; you would be rid of bru [...]tish Pastors, who seek not the Lord; and of those Priests, who were gone away far from the Lord, when Israel went astr [...]y, following the Com­mandements. So then among the drove or heard of vile Priests your great Champion, for your cause would be cut off [Page 13] with the rod of that Discipline, understand it how you please, he should be cut off certainly: And more then probable you would have Simon Magus the Beleever removed too, and Acts 8. John. 6. those revolted Disciples, who pluckt away the shoulder, and stopped their ears against the Discipline of Christ; and Judas the Saint discovered now, all these you would have removed; those also whose Doctrines eat like a Cancer; and whose Examp [...]e spreadeth more then a plague sore, you would have Dem [...]s the wo [...]ldling removed too: why endeavour what you can, that with your National Church, we may have a National Discipline, quid enim t [...]ntasse. If you shall forbear to do this, you are never like to see the face of your Church: And if you endeavour it, and effect it, you will fi [...]de no other disadvantage but this, which ye [...] we h [...]p [...] you will not call so, you shall have fewer [...]ri [...]sts to profane holy things; your gu [...]sts next day at the Lo [...]ds Table wil be fewer too, Magus your Believer he is gone; all [...]he Disciples without Discipline they a [...]e gone too; Demas now he is discovered will not come at you, not will your holy Brethren, holy wi [...]out ho­liness, but they w [...]re born and baptiz [...]d in England these will not be admitted neither, the Communicants now will be the thinner, no matter they will be the better, and the more comely for such a Table, and such a glori [...]s presence: you little think what good you should do, if you help on a Natio­nal Discipline, that we might have both, or neither, [...], of these things enough.

CHAP. 2.

VVE are now arrived at Baptism, which have [...]st the § 1 Faithful of the Lord in all ages, specially in this age, as dear as did the preaching down Circumcision cost the dear servants of the Lord in these Primitive times. If I yet preach Gal. 5. 11. Circumcision why do I yet suffer Persecution; then is the Fence of the Crosse ceased, said holy Paul. So let a Minister give forth Baptisme to all, he shall suffer no persecu [...]ion from any, nay he shall have all friendly usage, there is not a Son or Daughter of Belial, not a Nabal in the parish, but will make [Page 14] him a feast like a King, and give him something else beside: but if he refu [...]e here this Nabal, this Son of Beli [...]l will perse­cure him so far as he dares to the death if he could; surely, this kind o [...] people should not be pleased in this matter, if they be it is more th [...]n doubtful the Lord will be highly dis­plea [...]d.

But to our question, whether Infants of Days, being born §. 2 of parents who by ignorance of the nature of Baptism, or what is sign'd for se [...]led it cannot be but [...]o Faith) unto them being Children in understanding, are to be admitted u [...]to Bap­tism [...]? We should for the clearing of the way resolve this question fi [...]st, w [...]ther on S [...]crament is of greater emenency then the other? [...]ut me [...]ning [...]s whether l [...]ss is required of a parent in giving [...] reaso [...] of the hope that is in him pr [...]senting his Infant to Baptisme, th [...]n when he presents himself to the Lords Table?

The reason why we should put this question is, because we observe [...]ha [...] Baptisme is administ [...]d by those, w [...]o have not these many years given forth the Lords Supp [...]r to their people, nor to this day can be perswaded so to do. We c [...]nfess [...]eartily we understand not this usage, yet we judge it not, nor can we fully approve [...]hat distiction of a n [...]ar and a remote right; But this we are assured, that one Sacrament is not of greater eminency then nother: and if the Infa [...]t p [...]e [...]en [...]ed by the Parent be admitted, the Parent an [...]n after should be admitted to the Lords Table, as we conceive. But let this pass, with allowance of some time for consideration, whether we have any such custome, or the Churches of Christ, grounded u [...]on the Scriptures of God?

So now to the Question, which we shall resolve in the Ne­gative, That Infants of Days born of Parents very Children in understanding, w [...]lful [...]y such, and then very wicked, are not to be admitted to Baptism. Yea that hold the Affir­mative, we humbly conceiv [...], ye hold it from hence, They are bo [...]n in a Church, and so to all Church priviledges. The same with you, saith Mr. Baxter, we all as did the Jews (see how [...]ard it bears upon a National Church, the very support and [...] of is) enter into the Church as Members in Infancy, [Page 15] So saith your worthy brother also, in his late book for Infant Baptism, ye [...] he saith much more, thus he saith; How much would it co [...]duce to the enlargement of the bounds of the Church visible to seal Infant membe [...]s by Baptisme? A little after he is pleased to give us his conceit. I con­ceive it morally impossible to rivet Christian Religion into the body of any Nation, but by the way of In [...]ant Baptisme. So saith that worthy man, It is neither time nor place for us to say more then this here. That had his Asterictus wavering Eph. 4. 14. 2 Pet. 3. 16. and unsetled his name, shews him to be wholly unlearned in the Mystery of Godliness, and unstable like a weather-cock, turned with every wind: we mean, had he not been taught to speak what himselfe pleased, not another from, but the same with himselfe, he would have told him that Paul, a wel grounded and setl [...]d man sure, took another way by his Lords appointment to Rivet Christian Religion in Nations and per­sons, and not by the way of Infant Baptsme. Christ sent me, Acts. 10. 48. saith he, not to Baptize (that was not my maine work [...], a work upon the by) bu [...] my work was to preach 1 Cor. 1. 17. the Gospel, thereby to rivet Christian Redigion in the souls and spirits of of men. Your Brother is not of this mind, for hear him ou [...], If Christs command be to Disciple Nations, as it is Matth. 28. 19. sur [...]ly (to me) it implyes the practise of Infant Baptisme as the onely way likely to effect it. We may speak more to this hereafter; here only we will offer our pe [...] ­swasion, That your B [...]other mistakes hi [...] Lords command, and the way He prescribes for the Discipling the Nations, His command is, Goe preach unto the strong Nations. So you have it in Mark 16. 15. and by preaching Disciple them, for that is the onely means to river Christ and His Religion in them, and then Baptize them, and their Infants born of Di­scipled Parents. Every thing is beautiful in its due time and order: Disciple them first, Baptize them after, The Parents must have their eyes opened first, befo [...]e their Infan [...]s should have their fac [...]s sprinkled: Thi [...] is ou [...] Faith, in this matter which we hold to the more firmly, because, as we suppose, it beareth upon the Scriptures of God, and the whole tenour thereof rules this Case. And though we honour your worthy [Page 16] Brother very much, yet we cannot subscribe to his judgmant in these matters.

CHAP. 3.

BUt Sir, before we come to maintain the Negative, we take leave to set down first, how you maintain the Affir­mative: and as you desire of us, what Scripture grounds ye have for it, for we have heard and read enough without the Book. We conceive ye have but one M [...]dium whereby to prove Free Admission of all Infants to Baptism; Much more you have to say, but surely all beareth thereupon, is Collateral or Reductive thereunto, That is this.

Free admission must be granted to all Infants: Your proofe § 1 is, They are born of Parents, born in a Church, and bapt [...]zed there, and upon that score also accounted within the Covenant, and so have right and title to the Seals, being to be reputed holy, as to a Federal H [...]liness, an Ecclesiastical or Church Hol [...]ness, from the account or esteem the Church ought to hav [...] of such Chil [...]ren.

We crave leave to reply to this, and humbly to give our judgement, That this Argument for b [...]p [...]izing all Children beareth upon a false bo [...]tom, and pleadeth an high priviledge from a grand mistake; if we mistake no the Scriptures there in: they are the Children of Believing Parents both or [...]ne, (so 1 Cor. 7. 14. Read Mr. Carter Inf. Bap 87. saith your worthy Brother too, pag 5.) and many other places, but he may mean Believers at large, all such as have been baptized) who are to be reputed hol [...], as to a Federal or Church holiness, and upon tha [...] score ad [...]itted to b [...]ptism. The Parents one or both can make ou [...] their interest in the Co­venant of God, made with them in Christ Jesus their Lord; 1 Pet. 3. 21. They can in their childs behalf plead for an outward b [...]ptism, from their inward baptism, making answer of a good conscien [...]e See B [...]za. Heb. 10. 22. toward God, that they are washed from en evil one, & on their [Page 17] bodies too, from a vain conversation, with pure water, the blood of Christ; upon this account a Child comes in, and is to be reputed holy, as we suppose.

But now for those Patents who knows nothing of this Covenant of Gods free grace to us by Jesus Christ, are as ve­ry strangers to it, as are they who never heard of it, and to Jesus Christ the Mediatour of the same, deny subjection to Christ and His Discipline; will have none of Him; He of a­ny shall not rule or teach them. We were saying, for these Parents Sons and Daughters of Belial, who have excommu­nicated, or thrown themselv [...]s out of Covenant, revolted from, forsaken or denied their own Baptism in their works and lives, presenting now their Infant to Baptism, are not to be admitted to receive the [...]eale thereof for them; nor is the Church to account the Children of these Parents holy, more then that Infanr holy, which was born, and then baptized a week after the Parent was ma [...]ried. Such a Case you may hear of anon. Thus we have said t [...] his point, being per­swaded that so say the Scriptures of God. And so speak they also who speak and practise thereafter; whereof we have a great cloud of witnesses, too long to set down, for the time wo [...]ld [...]ail us, to tell you what you may better tell us, what Ʋ [...]sin, Beza in his Epistles, if we remember to Arch Bishop Grindal, what Bullenger, Bucer, Calvin have said, ‘as to this free admission of the Infants of those Parents [...] Baptism, who can plead no more righ [...] to the Covenant in their infants b [...]half, but that they were born in a Church, and baptized there.’

We most hear what is repl [...]ed to this, That though the im­mediate § 2 [...]orefa [...]hers, fa [...]h [...]r or grandfather (so we may goe down as low [...]s ou [...] first Father, who was the Son of God) can give no account of their Faith, yet their Atavus their grand­fathers father, he coul give a sufficient reason of his Faith (wh [...] can tell [...]?) yet so you tell us; and truely it is not of light account with us, for we remember, as hath been told us, That jud [...]cious C [...]lvin in his Responsary Letter to Knox, th [...] honou [...] of the Sco [...]tish Nation, pleadeth fre [...] admission for Bastards, Infants born of Idolaters, Excommunicated per­sons [...] [Page 16] [...] [Page 17] [Page 18] (for that was the question proposed by that reverend man to Calvin for resolution) from hence, The promise is made to thousands [of them that love me and keep my Command­ments.] Past Evan. And so our worthy Bowles moves for free admissi­on, upon the same ground also: But still there is provision laid in, ‘That the Church be secured as to the breeding and bringing up of these children, in the fear and nurtu [...]e of their God’ in all this to our seeming, Scripture proof is wan­ting, though Mr. Calvin hath many choice things in that E­pistle worthy our ma [...]k (we shall touch upon s [...]me anon.)

One thing more we read pleaded for free admission to bap­tism, by your Brother; It would make a marvellous addition to § 4 the Church: what an huge company of visible Saints should we have, if this LEAVEN of Infant Baptism (so he calls it) were spread over the Nation?

Truely (and give us leave to speak our mind) we can nei­ther pray to God, nor praise God for the spreading of this Lea­ven: being perswaded there is scarce a Godly Man in the Nation, that thinks not this Leaven spreads fast enough. And for the addition it makes to the Church, it is not, we conceive, considerable wi [...]h him; it is rather an addition to the World; yet, if ye will have it a Church, it is (make the best of it, which is naught) but a National Church there, a huge bulky body, a Monster rather then a Church; and truely as we verily think, a Godly Man can never attend nor intend the growth thereof; for the more hugely it grows, the more mon­strous it is: and who will regard the growth of Monsters? He intends the growth and increase of the Church [...]f the li­ving God; and dayly prayeth that the spirit of life and of glo­ry by the word of His power and gr [...]ce would day [...]y make an addition thereunto: for he is perswaded, we think upon Scripture ground, that Infant B [...]ptism will never do it, never make visible Saints while the w [...]rld stands.

We have off [...]red our perswasion a little before, we will tell you our fear here before we close this Chapter, which is,

1. That these expressions to our seeming are very unscriptu­ral, Infant Baptism rivets Christian Religion in the Body of a Nation, that is, as we understand it, in the souls and spirits of [Page 19] men: and makes a marvellous addition to the Church: We w [...]re sp [...]aking our fears, that these expressions serve only to hold and keep POPERY within us, which is as natural to us, being born with us, as our flesh is, being riveted, and written in the heart, as with a pen of IRON, and with the point of a DIAMOND. Such sayings as these serve to bring us (natural Papists as we are) into a fools Paradise, as we use to say, making us believe we are Christians indeed, when as indeed we are but washed heathen, [...]nd that Christi­an Religion is riveted in us by B [...]ptism, whereas being tru­sted unto, for the effecting of so glorious a work, as is the ri­veting Christian Religion in the heart, it rivers nothing but Popery there, and as gross Popery as any we can readily think of, and serves on [...]y, as we think, being administred upon that concei [...], to enlarge the bounds of that ma [...]ignant Church, or if you like the other word better, the National.

2. But Read [...]r, To speak a word to thee in passage, seek to taste these words, before thou dost swallow them, least thou shouldest he driven thereby according to the bent and incli­nation of thy own spirit, to make that Sac [...]ament an Idol; and to think, That grace [...] riveted in thy soul, b [...]cause water was sprinkled upon thy Body. In so thinking, thou dost ascribe that to water wh [...]ch is proper to Christ; Gr [...]ce is Gods crea­tur [...] only; The God of all grace by H [...]s Spi [...]it with His Word (in persons grown up) wo [...]ks it in the hea [...]t, and riv [...]ts it the [...]e. All the Crea [...]ures in Heaven and Earth cannot c [...]n­fer he least dra [...] [...]f Grace, It is a thing of Gods making and preserving: it is a Creation. And we think this worthy man wil [...] g [...]ant all this; That the [...]p [...]rit of grace with the word of H [...] G [...]ace preached, doth rivet Christian Religion in the bo­dy of the Nation, and in the [...]oul of a person and to addes him to the Church: for the spirit only c [...] reach the heart, and rive [...] grace there: This riveting R [...]ligion, we conceive to be some in ward work, upon the inward man, which cannot be done by water which reacheth the [...] only.

3. These expressions [...]ee [...] to us to c [...]st much blame, if not rep [...]oach and [...]hame upo [...] some godly Ministers, as is mee [...] for us to judge of them, who con [...]ci [...]n [...]iously refuse to Baptize all [Page 20] Infants, and so to spread this leaven over the Nation, thereby to rivet Christian Religion into the body thereof. They cannot do this, fearing they should pervert the righteous ways of the Lord, and charge of His mouth, Go and Disciple them first, and then Baptize.

Which command reacheth the godly Ministers now, as we suppose, and bids them look to it, That those Parents be the Disciples of Christ, whose Infants they receive into the Church, and as Ministers of Christ, implant into His Body. But now these Ministers refusing so to do, this your Brothers Expression chargeth them very deeply, as we conceive; That they envy the growth of the Church, and that a dayly additi­on should be made thereunto, which we should speak tr [...]m­blingly being so contrary to their holy minds, for they have the mind of Christ.

4. Nay to adde this more, if this be to be approved of, that this leaven of Baptism hath this power and virtue in it, we must approve of that old usage among us (when gross dark­ness covered the Nation, and Popery did stagnare, all the Land was but as a stinking beg there) which we have heard, and one of us have read, That if the Infant were at the point of death, and more then probable the soul would depart out of the body, before the water could be drawn out of the well, then they thought fit to tumble the Infant into the well, that it might be washed before it died.

5. Once more, for we take it to be a matter of infinite concernment. If this can be made good, that there is such vir­tue in this Leaven, and the spreading thereof all over the Na­tion (for as that spreads, religion spreads) Then let not this Nation onely, but all the world hasten themselves with their Children unto Baptism, thereby they shall be all added to the Church, and Religion shall be riveted in them; A glorious thing! For we cannot but think that this Leaven may be as quick in working upon grown folk, as it is in operation upon Infant Children (to remember you only of that witty di­sti [...]ction about Pepper, the same between [...] and [...])

6. So now this learned man is like to attain his end, he will [Page 21] bring as many as shall believe [...]s words, up to that practise of Infant Baptisme. He were a woful Parent, who having Religion riveted in himselfe by his Infant Baptism, would withhold his poor Infant from it. But to be, if it may be, more serious in this matter; Ask we now of this generation of men grown up; and of that now rising up in their Fathers stead, an increase of sinful men, and see with our eyes, and kear with our ears, that is, diligently observe and mark, they are all baptized every one of them, do they walk as those that had Religion riveted in them by their I [...]fant Baptism? or doth not the shew of their countenance witness against this, declaring their sin as Sodom, and hiding it not? We leave this to the godly wise to consider of it, and determine.

To shut up, The godly and wise have observed, That the Anabaptists some of them, perhaps not a few, though many of them, we doubt no [...], fear God above many, yet some of them place all their Religion here, as once their forefathers did in Circumcision; And may they not take advantage by these words, and be more encouraged in their way? which is as cross to this good mans scope and intendment, as are his fore­mentioned words unto the Truth as it is in Jesus.

7. Surely this worthy man hath not taken a course to gain his erring Brethren; And others we fear, not halfe so conscien­tious as they, will take an occasion to put a sense upon his words, and without any wresting of them, as is quite cross to his drift and pious intention. For to our seeming, these two expressions of his, together with two or three more toward the end of his book, which we shall, together with [...]his again, meet with anon after, in our sixth Treatise, are very unscrip­tural (as we said) and may serve to promote Superstition, to­gether with abominable practises in and abour Baptism, gi­ving more to it then God allows us in his Wo [...]d to give, which we unlearned a [...]d unstable, and for the most part of us, as natural brun beast [...] cannot but do wit [...]out s [...]ch words as these, which may help and enc [...]urage us so to do. We need even the best of us, if we c [...]n plead no more [...]o our Christ an Religion riveted in us, but that we were bap [...]iz [...]d, some godly Minister, that would deal as plainly, and as faith­fully [Page 22] with us as Peter dealt with Simon Magu [...], Act. 8. 23. I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitternesse, and in the bond of iniquity, though thou art baptized. The man thought not so, he was wholly gnorant of all this, he did not know his own condition, flattered himselfe, and thought all well, be­cause lately sprinkled with the water of Baptism. No more.

And so much, that you may not be deceived (for the de­ceit is deadly) in a matter of so high concernment. We have told you our thoughts of, and godly jealousie about your Brothers words. The considerate Reader may make this use of all this, To attend all Gods appointments; and in the con­scionable use and emprovement hereof, intend and bend after Baptism within upon the heart, made without hands by fire and the holy Ghost, Whereby Christian Religion is riveted into the body of a Nation, and soul of a Person, Amen.

CHAP. 4.

WE have heard as much, as we believe was ever heard definitively spoke [...] for the holdi [...]g out you Affirma­tive, though indeed it is acknowledged to be but his own own conceit; and yet what is mans conceit in Gods matters? Come we now to ask Counsel at our Abel, and so, if it were possible, end the matter, whether your Affirmative or our Negative relies upon the surest grounds, the Scriptures of God? We hold to the Negative, That this b [...]re priviledge of being born in a Church doth not instate or interest the Infant to Church priviledges; we shall a [...]gue it with you, as sometimes we have done among [...]ur s [...]lves for our own satisfaction. And so we shall tell you only our perswasion as you comman­ded us, and what hath enclined us thereunto. Thus we have argued the case amongst our selves.

An Infidel or Pagan may come into England, a Church you § 1 [...] and may thrust into your Parish or ou [...]s, as true a [Page 23] Church as whole England is, for every homogeneal part has the same denomination with the whole; England a Church, so is every Parish also, (a Church in the Parish we deny not) And therein may this Infant be born of Infidel or Pagan Pa­rents. Y [...]u will not say now that Baptism belongs to this Infant by birth-priviledge. No, you will say, for there is a vast difference, if not a gulf betwixt a Christian Infant and a Pa [...]an Infant.

Pardon us, good Sir, we cannot yeild you that, for that the difference may be on the Pagans side, and so the Pagan the better man, or not so bad as the Christian. The Pagan not washed on the face; the Christian not washed on the heart. The Pagan not baptized with water; the Christian not bapti­z [...]d with the holy Ghost and with fire; he knows not what it is, nor does he ask after it. Christian is a glorious name, but withou [...] Christ it is an horrible shame. Nom n [...]inane crimen immane, was, you know the old saying, an empty name a huge crime A Christi­an name gi­ven to an unchristian man, is like a Iewel in the Snout of a Swine. Sat. de pro Book 3..

But let us not pass over this was last said, The difference is on the Pagans side, he is the better man, or if not better, where neither is good, yet the Pagan is not halfe so bad a man as the Christian is, having no other plea for his Christianity than that he is born in England, for he is worse then an In­fidel; and so we shall argue in the second place.

Supposing it granted, that the Infant [...]nters this priviledge by the Parents Charter; The Pagan Infant is refused because § 2 the Parent was a Pagan; The Christian Infant is received be­cause the Parent is a Christian; This is not just now accor­ding to the mind of God expressed in this Scriptures (as we understand them) that in th [...] matters of God, and concern­ments of Christ, there must be no accepting of persons; but here the Pagan Infant is rej [...]cted, though he was born in Eng­land, because born of a Pagan Parent; The Christian Infant is accepted, and for no ot [...]er reason, but because his Father is a Christian; what though, it is but in Name; for indeed he is wo [...]se then an Infidel; The Apostle doth instance but in one gross sin, If any man provide not for his own, he hath de­nied 1 Tim. 5. 8. the faith, and is worse then an Infidel. It holds true [Page 24] (saith worthy Burgess) as of that sin, so of any other gross sin; he is a Christian, a Believer, a Disciple, a Saint, he was born in England and baptized there, yet a D [...]unkard, a Lyar, a Swearer, a Sabbath ba [...]aker, a Covetous person, an Idolater, now he hath denied his faith (which he made some little shew of) and is worse then an Infidel: worse I yea by many de­grees worse. Because he sinneth against more light and know­ledge, as also against more holy obligations, and bonds, which are in the Christian Religion. Thus it is cleared from the Scrip­tures, that a Christian without Christ is worse then a Pagan that never heard of Christ.

We have heard, that this hath troubled the Ministers of Christ very much, whether baptism belongs to Christian be­cause born in a Church, though born in [...]d [...]ltery? Excellent Knox was much perplexed about th [...]s, and writes to Calvin about it, as you may fin [...] it Epist 283. for he found the peo­ple very impetuous and storm-like ab [...]ut his matter, Baptism for their Children, as now we do; We will set you down but one passa [...]e, when we have first set down his words, which immediately follow; Calvin having straightly charged them with this, that in the case aforesaid, they take faithful sureties to stand in the stead of these ungodly Parents, adde [...]h these words or to this purpose. This indulgence we grant, our times so requiring, for we ar [...], the Lord knows, but peeping Epist. 284. Ames. of Consc. cap. 27. 7. 8. out of the mist or fog of Popery, and the Church i [...], as we may say but in her Infancy, & therfore indulgendum est latius, saith he, we must give more liberty then else we would do. Now take the words we were setting down, Nih [...]l mag [...] preposte­rum, There is nothing more preposterous and quite besides the rule, then that tho [...]e should be Sacramentally ingraffed in­to Christs body, o [...] whom we have not the least hope they will [...]ver become the Disciple [...] of Christ, Not the least hope: Why? may we not conce [...]ve hop [...], that the Child baptized may prove a Disciple of Chri [...]? (to help [...]ut Calvin words as we can) we reply, that as the Parent may be, and as commonly he is the same we spake of even now, a Christian without Christ, a Believe without F [...]h, wor [...]e then an Infidel, because he setteth at naught all Gods counsel, and wil none of his reproofs; [Page 25] he turns his back upon the means whereby the holy spirit conveyeth Himself into the heart and works faith there, we have not the least hope, that ever the child of such a Parent will become a Disciple. For how shall we ground our hope? or whereon? we question not what the Lord may do, nor dare we reach into his decree; we must walk by the rule of his word, so speak and so judge; and then what hope, that a Parent worse then an Infidel can or will order his child so, as t [...]at he may become a Disciple of Christ, quod [...]acit tale illud &c. he must be a Disciple that makes a Disciple. But he that is worse then an Infidel wil make his Child a Bel [...]ever, when thornes bear grapes, thistles figs, or when a Lioness makes her young ones Lambs. Alas the Child grows up in the sight of a filthy conversation, and seldome hears th [...] name of Christ but in [...]n oath, and so as the Psalmist saith, and Psal. 58. Hieron. also so soon as he can go, he goes astray, and so soon as he can speak he speaks lyes and oaths, as bad a [...]d worse, in that can he, and more deboysed then the Parents; We know this sounds harsh, worse th [...]n an Infidel, but how dare we be offended at it, when sad experience tells us, there are no wor [...]e Heathens in the world then are Heathen Christians. Oh what poysonful Creatures are there where the Sun beams fall from its v [...]r [...]cal point in the Summ [...]r Solstic [...]! and at poy­sonful persons are there, where the Son of the Gospel shineth forth in is strength, yet puts not [...]r [...]h strength enough, to subdue and c [...]nquer these poysonful ones; None in all he world worse then these, [...] halfe so bad; Sodomi [...]es and worse, because living under [...]he means which should make them better; twice dead, plucked up by the root, naturally dead in sin, judicially dead under w [...]ath, because he despiseth the riches of Gods goodness, and after his hardness, and im­penitent heart treasureth up unto himselfe wrath, against the day of wrat [...]. And so much to prove this Christian without Christ, this Believer without Faith to be wo [...]se then an Infidel; therefore can plead no more right to his Infants Baptism then a Pagan can. We proceed.

In the third place we must acknowledge, we cannot learn from Scripture, That the Infant of a Christian Parent hath as § 3 [Page 26] true a title to Baptism as he hath to his birth right; or take it thus if you please, That Baptism is a Childs birth-right; he or she is born unto it, because born in England. The tennure of the Scripture, we think rules not the Case so; we understood it thus, and so we have been taught by our godly and learned Ministers, That we are born to nothing, but a sup of sorrow, to the bread of affliction, and to the wa­ters of adversity, and these we are instated in, yea possessed of, as soon as we are born, for we are born as a wild Asses colt, a beast, and the wildest of beasts. Indeed vain man, Job. 11. 12. Mat. 12. empty man, as the Devils house was (for his house is he) thinks not so, for he would be wise, and would be accounted clean also, though he be filthy and noysome all over, yea more filthy then if covered over with hi [...] own dung.

You may say this makes for you, for if this Infant be so filthy as filthiness it selfe, the more need it should be presen­ted to that Fountain of Christ, His Blood opened for sin and for uncleanness: For doubtless that Jordan of Christs blood serves onely to wash unclean ones; and fountains are as suit­able and desirable to such filthy and u [...]clean ones as they are to thirsty ones; All his we grant you heartily, yet we hum­bly conceive it serves not your purpose; for thus we argue.

If this unclean Infant hath right to Baptsm as its birth pri­viledge upon this ground onely, because it is unclean, the Pa­gan Infant born in the Church hath as good right too, for that is as unclean also. Therefore we humbly conceive it to be thus, The Infant hath a right to baptisme, from, as we may say, his Fathers Charter, he is born of a faithful Parent, one or both; Now let his Parent shew that, which certainly he cannot do, being worse then an Infidel. And indeed the time was, when the Parent was questioned at this point, to give an account of his Faith, or a reason of his hope, and upon that account the Child was admitted to Baptism. A laudable custome, saith Mr. B. and how desirous is he it might be brought into use again, and acquitted from the abuses of it. Indeed this was our dear Saviours manner, when the Taber­nacled here on earth, he ever questioned the Parent, Woman [Page 27] dost thou belive? Man canst thou belive? and yet like enough the children were old enough, though they might not be in case to answer for themselves. But,

This is it we would argue from hence, That it is not the uncleanness of the Infant that gives it right to Baptism, but the true knowledge the Parent hath of this uncleanness, his own in the first place, and th [...]n of his Infants uncleanness issuing from him, wherewith he hath more then besmeared his Infant all over, within and without, but spec [...]ally within; now if the Parent can give no reasonable account of this, he make [...] no more account of Baptism for his Child, then a dung­hill cock doth of a Jewel, or a swine doth of a Pearle; what regard hath he to a Fountain, that is in his own conceit neither unclean nor thirsty, though yet he will have water sprinkled upon his Child, for that is the manner of the Country; But we humbly conceive, as preposterous and as clean besides the rule, as if the Apostles should have baptized the Nations first, and then make them Disciples when they can, which is seldom or never done, where the righteous wayes of the Lord are p [...]rverted, and that great Ordinance and Appointment of God for conve [...]sion i [...] sl [...]ghtingly stepped over, and those o­ther his Appointments for the support of his poor and meek ones, h [...]sted after and pressed unto, so that indeed they suffer violence, and the wicked would if they could, take them by force, were they not dealt forth unto them.

In the fourth place it is urged, why any more in distinction § 4 here in admitting to Baptism, then there was among the Jews in admission to Circumcision; There was no difference be­twixt the precious and the vile.

To this we say, thrt surely there was a distinction; for as they were a National Church, so they had a National Disci­pline, whereof we heard, and what would be done, did it take place among us: there would not be such bearing up to the Font, nor pressing on to the Table by dogs and sw [...]ne. But we would adde this, there was a separation. The Leaper was Lev. 13. 45. to cry out uncl [...]an, unclean, and to dwell alone, without the Camp must his habitation be. Y [...]a while any mans unclean­ness Numb. 5. 2, 3. was upon him, he must not come to the Sanctuary, nor [Page 28] deal in holy things; such care was taken for the keeping of the Sanctuary, clean from all bodyly and legal polutions; sure­ly it tells the Stewards in Gods house what they are to do. But we proceed, holding fast to our c [...]nclusion, from that which is premised, That Nominate Believers and Titular Di­sc [...]ples, and falsly called Saints are worse then Infidels, There­for can ple [...]d no right to that publick seale of the Church-Baptism to their Children.

We c [...]nceive it may be said here; why should the Child suffer or b [...] punished for the Parents sin? The Parent is worse then § 5 an Infidel, what is th [...]t to the Child?

Very much say we as to these high matters. And indeed it looks like a judgement upon the Child to be born of a Pagan Parent, who never heard of Christ Jesus the Lord; But a greater judgement it is to be born of a Christian Paren [...] in a land of vision [...], and yet so far from learning Christ to know Him, and to gain salvation by Him, that he turns his back up­on Him, maketh light of H [...]m, bids defi [...]nce to Him. That man shall not rule over him: Who then? any but he. A sore judgement to be born of such Parents. Yet we conceive the Insant suffers not, not doth the Parent, because he may not be admitted to Baptism, the publick seal of the Church, no more then that same Parent should suffer from the Church (give us leave to yeild you the name of a Church) [...]f so be that ultimum­sulmen Ecclesiae, as we have heard Calvin calls Excommunication the last remedy and thunderbolt of the Church, be thunder [...]d our against him in delivering him unto Satan, in stead of admitti [...]g him with his Infant to B [...]ptism; for though it may b [...] called a Punishment, yet i [...] no oth [...]r sense then is a corro [...]ing playster to a wounded man, or the cutting off a part for the saving of the whole: the case requiring it, This hath a tendency to the greatest good that is imaginable, for the de­structi [...]n of the flesh, that the spirit may b [...] saved in the day of the Lord: But this is our perswasion till we are farrher in­form'd: that the Infant hath no wrong, none at all, nor the Parent neither, but greatly righted are they both, if the Parent could see it, the Church refusing to set it [...] seal to a blank, and keeping off this foul and nasty creature (who delights in his fil­thiness [Page 29] as the swine in the mire) from rushing upon this holy Name and Thing, having all his uncleanness upon him, but knows it not. Sacraments profaned through ignorance and p [...]ofanness the child of that darkness have as deadly a work up­on the s [...]ul, as the word o [...] life hath, being tendered unto us and rejected of us. That is deadly poyson, and kills pre­sently, which is mingled with wine; It kills but no [...] so pre­sently, being mingled with water. And therefore we crave leave to proceed in our Arguments, and then to Caution you, for so m [...]ch w [...] hope may be allowed o [...]r Godly jealousie, touching you, so mean though we are, and so much below you, seeing you declare your selfe to be of Mr. H. perswa­sion.

In the sixth place thus we argue from John the Baptists ex­am § 6 le worthy our imitation sure, onely let it be remembred still, That we have to do with the Parents, not with the In­fants; Thus we rend, Many of the Pharisees and Sadduces came to his Baptism, the very best men in the Country and Mat. 3. Parish, both for learning and manners, the very cream and flower there, in common esteem as far exceeding your com­monly called Beleevers, D [...]sciples, and Saints, as a compleat Scholar doth an arrant Clown, or a neat Gentleman a Shep­herd; These compleated on [...]s in their own eyes, and sight of others, come to Johns Baptisme, others are baptized by him, and why not they? And it is his very work and business. Now you can tell us what welcome they had, the very same, we think, those Pa [...]ents should have c [...]mming to present their tender Babes to Biptisme, when they themselves return to their folly, as the dog to its vomit. O generation of vipers, you are as full of poyson as any serpent is, and do you come to me with all this poyson within you and willing to ke [...]p it there? O generation of vipers, do you come to be baptized into Christ, and are haters o [...] Christ, and anon after will be Murth [...]re [...]s of Him? O gener [...]ion of vipert, dare you come to be wa [...]hed in the blood of Christ, and know not in the least measure what that blood m [...]aneth, nor what meaneth your o [...]n blood; Th [...] Blood of Christ is our righteousness, our own blood is our wickedness or silthyness: you know none of [Page 30] all this, and none will you know; what make you here? Besides the cu [...]tome of the contrary, you have this in your eye also, you think sometimes there is a wrath to come; In­deed there is: you think too, you can take Sanctuary at this Ordinance, and so shelter your selves from it, it shall not reach you: Toto talo erratis (if we may use the proverb) ye are heavenly wide, here, utterly mistaken, which being not cor­rected in time, will bring you to utter darkness anon. Bap­tism is but an imaginary Sanctuary; like the rich mans wealth, a strong City and an high Wall, all this but in his own con­ceit: It will no more shelter you from wrath (rather expose you more unto it) then can the caul of the heart defend the heart from the p [...]w of a Lyon, or a Bear robbed of her whelp [...]. Nay assure your selves that as that gloriously strong, that Al­mighty [...]verlasting Arm, such as faithful people, who put no confidence in the flesh finde it to be, when fl [...]sh is shrunk up to nothing, underdeath everlasting A [...]ms, this Almighty Arm proves but a staff of a Reed, a very rottenness to every man that leanes to the Arm, while he cleaves to his sin: so is the Ordinance of Bap [...]isme (indeed such is every Ordinance leaned unto, for Christ is the onely lean to of His people) lea­ned upon, and run unto as a Sanctuary; there is no flying from the wrath to come in that way yeare in, not any means to escape it, but by flying to him, whose wrath it is, beseech­ing him for his great names sake to remove wrath, and to take you into his savour, after he hath given you repentance unto life, and faith in his dear Son. But be it known unto you, Mat. 3. 6. Acts 19. 4. that you be not mistaken in my office: I baptize none, no not one, that turns his back upon my Doctrine, preaching repen­tance: and I hear him first confessing his sins, not as your Confessors do barely, confessing their sins every day, and live in them every hour: I make him make proof thereof, that may satisfie a charitable judgement, that there is as much fire as will cause a [...], a little strength, as much as a bruised re [...]d hath. Assuring him there is no salvation without re­pentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. You have heard what John the Bagtist did—But we will adde nothing of our own in this place, for we consider as the man [Page 31] is, such is his strength: and of such account are his words: you will, we doubt not, observe what John did, how little soever you observe us.

We pass on, and thus we reason from Mat. 7. 6. Give not § 7 that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your Pearles before Swine. We humbly conceive, that this Scripture is not to be restrained to this or that Ord [...]nance, but to be un­derstood of all Ordinances forbidden to be dispensed to such as are here call [...]d Dogs and Swine, excepting that Ordinance onely, which is able thorow God, of Dogs to make us Disci­ples, of Swine, Sheep: It is then, as we think you call it, one of your T [...]pick places, from the less to the greater: or a for­tiori. If the Pearles of Instruction are not to be given unto Dogs and Swin, that is, profane persons, men or women (two footed swine the worst swine) who hate the reprover in the Gate, will turn again and [...]ent him, and trample his Pearl (whereof he is the Minister, and therefore called your Pearle, and their words) under their feet: If these Pearles Joh. 17. 20. must not be given to such unworthy ones as these: what war­rant have the Ministers of Christ to give forth this Seal of the Covenant, to Infants born of th [...]se Parents, who know no­thing of the Covenant, and nothing will they know, having made a Covenant with Death, and with Hell are they at a­greement. Isa. 18. 15.

You shall say that we speak too rudely of your Beleevers, Disciples and Saints in likening them to Dogs and Swine, we crave leave to ask you this question, did you ever question them about it? if you say yes, then what was their Answer? were they Dogs and Swine, or were they not? I [...] they say they were such (by Nature) but now are not such (by Grace) the word of his g [...]ace, together with the spirit of God and of glory hath converted them, and wrought a change in them, not of Actions onely, but of Natur [...], then are we so far from calling them Dogs and Swine, that we call them the Excel­lent of the Earth, Beleevers indeed, Disc [...]ples and Saints in truth: onely you must not take th [...]ir bare say so herein, but Rev. 29. bid them make it out, bid them speak, that you may see them, the truth of their words, in their works: [...]hey may say so, [Page 32] and may blaspheam in so saying; But now if you shall say you never put them to this Question, you cannot think that they can be dog and swine, who were born in England and bap­tiz [...]d the [...]e; nor will you ever go about to make them think it to be so, being so incongruous and dis [...]greeing [...]o reason, and so contrary [...]o our own Counsels; then you have omitted a ma [...]n and principle duty (whereof anon) the discovering to them the horrid state of Nature; and that they are Dogs and Swine at pres [...]nt, if they never were such in their own ac­count and esteem, beholding themselves w [...]llowing l [...]ke that cast out Infant, which represents all ma [...]kind in their natural concl [...]ion, n [...]ts blood; or like un [...]o a Carrion lying in a ditch Ez. 16. Joh. 1. 5. 20. under the power of a lust within in wickedness, an [...] that wick­ed one withou [...]. Certain it is, if we never were in our ac­count, and as in our selves considered, Dogs and Swine, th [...]n such as are at present Dogs and Swine, as sure as Pharaoh was a Dr [...]gon, H [...]rod a Fox, and Nero a Lyon; yea as sure as you have Dogs and Swine in your Pa [...]i [...]h pr [...]pe [...]ly cal [...]ed so; But to put it out of doub, and that you may reselve your selfe therein, observe well how they deal with the Pearle, whether like Swine [...]hey trampl [...] it not under foot: and like D [...]g [...] turn again end rent th [...] dispensers of the same. There­fore we are where we were, and we have Scripture wa [...]rant to keep those to it, as we conceive; if a Mini [...]er must not cast his Pear [...]es, his Exortations before D [...]gs and Swine, which will but trample upon them, contradicting and blaspheming: Then must he not suffer the glorious treasure of the Church, where she findeth and whence she fe [...]ch [...]th all that is needful, the Blood of God man, of the Lord J [...]sus Christ, the founda­tion of the Covenan [...], to b [...] trampled under foot by Dogs and Swine, comming now to receive the seal [...]hereof, for th [...]ir In­fant, and to be sprinkled with it, if they had known where­fore they came.

VVe would argue this from that known place hinted before, § 8 Mat. 28. 19. Go ye in the name of God and power of his Mat. 28. 19. might and teach all nations, baptizing them: that is, as you know much better then we, for we have it but by hear say, go ye and Disciple them, make them stoop to my teachings: [Page 33] to submit and subject themselves to my Gospel, good tidings from Heaven, that all is peace there, and an attonement is made an accepted for all and every one, that is made obedient thereunto by word and deed, Go ye and Disciple them, that you know is the import of the word. Hence then we argue, That a Minister ought to Disciple the Parent first, before he doth baptize his Infant, that is, Indoctrinate him, in the knowledge of Christ crucified, made a Curse for him to redeem him from the curse of the Law, by the merit of his sufferings, and blood shed upon the Cross: this is to be done first (as we suppose, and our perswasion is) and he must be examined how this do­ctrine takes with him, what submission he gives thereunto, and whether his life be thereafter.

You will say, were these an heathen people, and never heard of the Gospel till now, then so I would do, Disciple them before I Baptize their infants; But now I suppose th [...]m Discipled already, and well Taught, Trained and Catechised Men and Women.

With your savour and patience, who bid you suppose this? That these are Discipled already. Supposito quod non debet supponi obstruit operationem verbi, as we suppose you have heard, and your experience may tell it you every day. You will say again, We must put a vast difference betwixt Heathen Men and Christian Men.

No indeed, not we, further then our Lord commands us. We are bold to ask you what difference? There are Heathen without the Gospel, here are H [...]athen with the Gospel; what difference? There are a dark people, gross darkness co­vereth them, for the glorious Sun of the Gos [...]el never beam'd forth upon them. There are yet a darker people, as certainly a darker may be, dark as darkness it selfe, under the beamings forth of Gospel light; what difference? No such darkness as to be darkened with the Gospel light: To be an Egypt in Goshen, a Sodom in Jerusalem, [...] Gomorrha in Judea: all amounts but to this, to be darkness in the midst of the light: To have light, and yet to act as men in the dark; To walk in darkness under Gospel light; to be night at that place and climate of Heaven, where the Sun of the Gospel is at her high [Page 34] Noon: what difference? The Heathen are a dark people with­out light, These are a dark people with light; what difference? The Heath [...]n sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and see no light, whereby to see their way to Christ, and in that estate they grope after God, and will be left inexcusable if they Acts 17. 27. find him not. These sit so too, but in the sight of light, the Sun of this Gospel shining round about them. O the dread­ful difference between these two strong Nations, the one dark without light, the other dark with light, and because they are in love with darkness, their deeds being evil, chasing Joh. 3. 20. Job 24. 17. the light from them, and so rebel against it: The fearful threat­ning of the Lord hath taken hold of these, which maketh the difference dreadful, Deut. 28. 29. thou shalt grope at noon day (when the light is double) as the blind gropeth in dark­ness. From this terrible judgement the Lord deliver us, It is visible upon your National Church.

Why? But these do profess well: yea, but observe, do they live well? We hope they do: yea, but you must have a ground for your hope, which you have of them, and have in your selfe. They say well, and give me good words, yea, but do they do well, and shew you their good deeds? They are visible Christians: It is much if they be so, but he that is a vi­sible Christian, barely so, and no more, may shortly cease to be so much as visible. Doubtless if he be Gold within, he is Silver without: his outside is good, but his infide is better, all glorious within, and see how he sparkleth without: If he be a light burning, he will be a light shining. There is a fire of zeal for God, and Christ, and Grace, and against all that is contrary to all this, and all this will appear in a conversation shining before Men. O dear Sir, look well to your Beleever, whether he hath faith or no: and to your Christian, whether he hath any Christ or no, unless a false one: and to your Di­sciple, whether he hath learnt of his Master, and what Profi­cient he is in his School: and to your Saint, whether he hath any more holiness but what you call Federal: He was born and baptized in E [...]gland, and can make full proofe thereof, if need be from the Church Book: that is all.

Be we assured that such a Saint, that can hold forth his Saint­ship [Page 35] no other way, but as aforesaid, will prove a Divel anon, if so be he be not one already. O remember what God doth conj [...]yn, we must not dis [...]joyn: We pray you Sir, put these questions unto him, before mentioned, we say these, because these properly relate to the resolution of the controversie be­tween us: as he answereth to these, and giveth you to un­derstand he hath a little more understanding then hath the Horse or the Mule; you may admit his Inf [...]nt, or you may forbear: the Lord wil instruct you to discretion, if you are not too resolved of your way, and will seek unto him: onely as we said, take not a single witness in these matters. We will argue the point no further, for there would be no end, and we see our papers fill ap [...]c [...]: the Judge of all the World be Judge betwixt us, to His Judgement we appeal and must stand.

CHAP, 5.

WE crave leave in the next place humbly, to give our opinion, about administring of Baptism, in a case of § 1 more doubtful const [...]uctio [...] then is the former; for to us as you have read, there is no doubt at all. This is the case; whe­ther a Godly Minister wa [...]king with his people [...]n Gospel fel­lowship, may baptize the Infant of a godly Parent, in charity judged so to be, presenting it unto him, [...]u [...] not walking with him in the same Fellowship or Communion? We must take in here, what was hinted before, and withall the wo [...]d [...] of ex­cellent Calvin we [...]ade some mention of: we must distin­guish betwixt a Church in its Infancy, and at its full growth, which may al [...]er the case a little: But this we humbly con­ceive, and so we give o [...]r opinion, That a godly Parent should not offer his Infant to a godly Minister to be baptized by him, while the Parent refuseth to walk with the said Minister in Gospel fellowship, according to the command of God, and rule of his word. Bu [...] keepeth aloof off, and apart from Gods people, giving no help unto them, but lieth scattered with o­thers, not a few like polished stones in the st [...]eer, and hewen timber, which are proper materials for a house, yet make no [Page 36] house, as to the form and fashion of it. Members must be conjoined and compacted before they make a body, Now he that wil withhold his help from the body (as he must needs do, who stands apart from it, will not join to it, and so give no more service to the body, then if he were farther off in the remotest parts of the world) we think it comely at the least, he should not offer his Child to be baptized by the said Minister, if he can have it done without scandal at another place. But if you Sir, or any of your brethren, be otherwise minded, it matters not, God will reveal to you and us, even this also; In the mean time think of us, as charity binds you, that we would not do any thing whereby to give the least of­fence to any Godly person; much more may be said to that was aforesaid, but it is not suitable to this place, and more un­sutable to the season.

In the last place, let it not argue boldness from us, but ten­derest love to you, and dear respect to our duty, while we § 2 Caution you in Gods name, and as you look to give up your account with joy, to consider the premises, and bid the peo­ple beware they do not take Baptism to be the form of a Church, for that is down right Popery, as you know full well (you may be an occasion of this before you are aware) But we pray you make your people to know it. We are all Papists by Nature, and carry a Pope in our bosome next the heart. And marvellously contented we are with a form, let­ting the power go not worth the looking after. Popery still, the very Dalilah, the dearly beloved of our Souls; do your utmost, we beseech you, to drive your people out of a form, they cleave as fast to it, as the flesh cleaves to them. And from glorying in empty names, which yeild empty comforts, in outward priviledges, having gained no inward grace by them; and from that vain boast, they have the meanes of grace, when wholly careless of ge [...]ting grace by those means. We think they should not receive Baptism from your hands, who will not receive the word of his grace from your mouths. Tell them of [...]en, as your duty we think is to do, what a dread­ful thing it is, to be dead while we live, living a natural life, and dead to a spiritual life, as all they are, that live in plea­sure [Page 37] so pleasing to the flesh: Tell them what a dreadful thing it is to have titular sanctity, and real impiety; to have a name to live when they are doad. And may it please you to ground them well in the first principle of Catechism, Mans misery by Dignitas in indigno, or­namentum in tuto, Sal. 392. sin, and what lost Creatures they are without Christ. A­liens from the Common wealth of Israel, strangers from the Covenant of Promise: without hope grounded, sure and sta­ble; a hope well set, will settleus; a hope that is the Saints Anchor-hold, without such a hope, without God in the World; And charge them not to rest upon a Christ without them, and to be restless in their spirits, till they have a Christ within them. Teach them to know the infinite evil that is in sin, so may they know the infinite good that is in a Christ, and of forgiveness through the merit of his blood. Tell them that sin known and felt to be above measure sinful, renders Christ and all with Him in full measure welcome, altogether lovely or desirous. Make them understand their filthiness, and you need not bid them wash and be clean; The fountain of Cant. 5. 6. Christs blood is as welcome to the filthy soul that knows it selfe such, as it is to the thirsty soul, that feels his need; give him Christ or else he dyes. And in the last place, make them but know themselves to be Dogs and Swine (for man is such a very beast, a Behemoth, a great beast, that he knows not himselfe to be a beast) but when he k [...]ows it, he can no more endure to remain in that State, then a Sheep in that m [...]re wher­in it is fallen: or return to it, being once delivered from it, then he can return to take up his own vomit, or to wallow in the mire with his best cloaths. O he would not for a world be delivered to the hands of his old Master again, as that poor one said. Surely Luthers words upon the first word of Psal. 14. command our observation, The whole world lying in evil, is that Nabal, that fool, that vile one. And there we lay all, being children born under wrath as were others, till an Almighty hand plucked us thence, and free grace made the difference. We question much whether your Disciples and Saints born, such are acquainted with this. You shal do wel to conside [...] on it, a [...]d a [...]ter du [...] consideration in [...]orm them a­bout it. So w [...] draw towards a conclusion; You see how [Page 38] our love works to wards you; it loves to be adding; and this more, we beseech you be resolved from the Parent before you baptize his Infant, what Baptism is? What it seales to? and then what the Covenant is? and what is intendment in tendering his Child thereunto? We doubt not but you will find Scripture grounds for all this, which will bind you to make this inquisition, which likely you will find as trouble­some to them, as would be the bloody Inquisition, you know whe [...]e. For these Doctrines are unpleasing to flesh and blood, a very torment unto it; it may lose you the hearts of the most and best in your Parish, in the worlds account; yet in­deed not worthy your account, but it will gain, by Gods bles­sing, some hearts to God, and so further your account at the great day, for so may you shew your self wise, and shine in due time as the b [...]ightness of the firmament, and turning many to righteousness, as the Stars, for ever and ever, Amen. More we could say to this matter, unto you, but we will speak it for you in our Closet, and doubt not but all the godly Mi­nisters and people in the Land that are walking together in the way of holiness will pray for you, and your Brethren of the same perswasion with you, working in a way broad enough for a Believer withou [...] faith, a Christian without Christ, a Saint without holiness to walk in, and never offend the fl [...]sh: Indeed you have need of the prayer of these, who can pray in prayer, who will never cease praying till all the godly in the Land may mind one thing, and walk in one way; which un­speakable mercy, He that is the hearer of prayers, grant unto his people for his own Name sake, Amen.