l
•
I
«c^
More PROOFS
INFANTS
Church-memberfliip
AND
Confequcncly their Ri^hc to
BAPTISM:
Or a SecondDefence of
. our Infant Rights and Mercies.
_ ♦...■■
In Three Parts.
The Firft is, The plain Proof of Gods Statute, or
Covenant for Infants Church- mcmberfhip from the
Creation, and the Continuance of it till tlie Inftiruti-
on of Eaptifm •, with the Defence of that Proof againfl
the Frivolous Exceptions of Mr. Tombes.
And a Confutation of Mr. Tambfs his Arguments againft
Infants Church- niembernii p.
The Second is, A Confutation of the Strange Forgeries of i
Mr. H, Danvsrs againft the Antiquity of Infaut-baptifni, j
And of his many Calumnies againft my Self arid
Writings.
With a Catalogue of fifty fix New Commandments and
Doftrines, which He, and the Se^aries who joyn with
Him in thofe Calumnies fcem to own.
1 The Third Part is, Animadverfions on Mr, Dan-^erss Re-
I ply to Mr. irlUcs, ,^^
i Extorted by their unquiet Impormnity from an earncft
i Defirer of the Love and P^ace of all True Chriftian^^.
Bv Richard B^xier
London^ Printed for lY. 5/>;//;flw at the P///;^'-/ A)ks, and
y. Roiirf.r, attheu<'/i/7-Lvo/.' in Sr. F.;.-'/'s Cir.:rrh->aro. 16-7^. \
V-) »■
The Preface.
Reader^
THefirfi year of 'my Miniflry I fell
into A doubt about Infant-Ba-
ptifm • dnd I was fo ignorant
as not to underfiand the na-
ture of that [olemn Covenant and Invejli-
ture 5 and the Parents duty of entring
the child into the Covenant with God y
and what the Vow was which then was
made : when time^ and light had fattsfied
me^ I retained as charitable thoughts of the
Anabaptifts, as of almofi any that I coffer-
ed from. About 16465 1647^, 1648. they
made more Jlir among us th an before : Mr.
Tombes living near me 5 we continued in
feace^ not talking of our difference ; For
Ipurpofely avoidi^d it in publick and pri-
A J vate,
The Preface.
'v Ate ^ unless Any asked, my opinion. At lajt
his Converts came to me^ and told me that
if I vpoidd net anfwer him in vpriting^
they mujl take it as an encouragement to
them to be Baptized • and confejfed that
he fent them^ or that they came by hu
consent : To avoid long tvrhings^ one dayes
difpute rvas thought a jhorter' way, ~ That
difpute with many additions I was ne-
ceffitated to pMtp ; with fome returns
to [ome after arguings of Mr, T.V. He
wrote what he thought meet on the
other jide. I thought I had done with that
work for ever: But in 1655 he fent to
me again ^ and drew from me the Letters
here recited. Thefe without my confe»t he
fublijfjcd with an anfwer in the midfi of a
great Book : I left his anfwer thefe nine-
teen years ^ or thereabouts^ without any Re-
ply ; as alfo the re (I of his books againft me,
I thought It not lawful for me to wajle my
precious time on things fo little necejfary:
A man . 7f/ay find words at length to fay
foralmofi any caufe. I partly know what
can be faidagainjl this^ and every book that
J have written. And I know what / inn
Reply, And I partly foreknow what they
can fay to that Reply y and what I can fur ^
ther fay in the defence of it j and fo talk
on
The Preface.
c» till tpe hAve vfirangled arvay curChwr
cy and our Time : und maft all this h^
frinted^ to enfmre poor renders ? But at
laJtMr. Dan vers hath laid a neceffity upon
me : / had filently paji pver all his uain
Rea^oningSy and all hii accusations of my
roritings^ and all hts falfifications of Authors^
had he net called me fo loud to repent of
flandering fome for being Baptized naked;
And when I found it my duty to [peak to
thatp I thought tt fit to fay fomewhat of
the rejl , pafftng hy what Mr. Wills hatk
done more fully m an anfrver to his book,
'There Are trvo forts of men called Ana-
baptifts among us : The one fort are fiber
Godly chriftians y rvho when they are re-
baptized to fatUfe their Confidences^ live
among us in Chrtflian Love and peace • and
I {ball be afhamed if I Love not them as
heartily y and own them not as peaceably^
as any of them {hall do either me or better
men than I that differ from them. The
other fort hold it unlawful to hold Commu-
nion with fuch as are not of their mind and
way^ and are fchifmatically trouble fome and
unquiet^ in labouring to increafe their Par-
ty, Thefe are they that offend me^ and other
lovers of peace. And if God would per-
fwade them hut ferioujly to think of thefe
A 4 obvi-
The Preface;
ohviotis quefiions^ it might fometohxt Jiop
them. Qa. I. How inconfiderable a fart of
the univerfal Church they hold communion
vptth ? And unchurch almojl all the chur-^
ches on Earth? Qa, 2. whether they can
foffibly hope that ever the church on Earth
vptll Unite upon their terms , of re'jeBing
aS, their Infants from the vifible Churchy
and renouncing all our Infant Rights and
Benefits confeued by the B^ptifmal Cove-
nant of grace ? Qu. 3. Jndvchetherifthey
continue to the vporlds end^ to fepar ate from
almofi all the Churches and unchurch them^
their employment will not be fill to ferve
the great enemy of Love and Concord^ a-
gainft the Lord of Love and Veace^ and
ag^ainft the pro fperity of faith ^ and godlinefs^
and agatnft the -welfare of the church and
fouls 5 and to the fcandal and hardening of
the ungodly ?
THE
THE
CONTENTS
OF THi^
First Part.
TH E Preface. pag» i
tiMr, Tombes'j firfi Letter* p. 5
R. B.V Anfvper to it. Ibid*
Mr. T.*s fecofid Letter. p. 8
R. B/j fjinfvper to it, p. 9
<J^r. T/i r^ir^ Letter. p. 10
R. B/j Anfvper is divided by tJ^r. T. into Sf-
^/<7;7j : Hi^Anfwers are confuted^ Sed. I> 2, 3,
4. T/?ff w^AT)' Qneflions to he handled^ Queft. i ,
Infants were once (lourch-memhers. P» 13
Seft. 5. Queft. 2. It vpm not only the Infants of
the Congregation of Ifrael that rvere Church^
members. p. 1 8
HovQ far the Sichemites xfere of Ifrael, and
Chnrch -members. p. 21
Sefl, 6, 7, 8,9> 10. Of other Nations, Ibid.
A 3 Sed.
The Contents.
Scft. II. The UtidmsJnfams mre mefnhen pf
the ChHrchVniverfaL p.2^«
Sed. 12, to the i8. Infants were me7?fhers of the
Jews Church di well as Commonwealth, p. 28»
Scd. 1 8. Qu€ft«4» There was a Law or Precept
of God obliging Parents to enter their ChiU
dren into Covenant with God^ by accepting his
favour y and engt^ing and- devoting them to
Cod '^ and there if^as a fromife of Cod ^ ^ffi^^-
ing them his mercy^ and accepting them when-
devoted as afor^imdy &c. p. 3 1
Sed. 19, &c. Vijwle Chttrch-memberfinp what it
is f And that it is a benefit, p. 32
Sed. 22. Legal-right to Infants Church-ftate gt-
'uen by Gods Covenant : Mr* T.V confuted and
the cafe opened, P« 3$
Se<3-^23, 24. This Right is the egeUof Gods Law
^r Covenant, ^ f • 44? — 4^
.fed. 2 J, 26. The proof of Parents obligation to
.: ^etnter their Children into Covenant: v^at we
.. mean by a Law •, Mr. T. waheth nothing i^f
Q Chttrch-memberjhipt ^ p. 46,, — — Jp
5 eft, 27. Precepts oblige to duty, and the promi^
fisgive right to benefits. p. 5^
jSe^. 28* No Tranfemt faVt without Gods fla-
ttucj or moral donation^ or covenant j made the
Ifraelices Infants Church-members, proved y tp
. Sed. 44. p. 56
Sed. 44, 45^* Infants dhurch-memberjhip infiitu-^
ted by God at mans creation and the conflitu^
tion of Gods Kingdom at the firfi, p. 72
Sed. 46. Infants Cburch-member^jip continued or
renewed by the firji Law of grace made to
Adam,
The Contents.
Adam, Gen. 3. 15. f(? Sed. 49. Chrifls being
' the Head in Infancy froveth what it is brought
far J and forceth Mr. T. to grant the canfe*
p. 8i
Seft. 49. Tht fame proved by the exfofnion of
this Covenant in that made to Abraham vindi^
cated againft tJffr. T. who again forfakfth his
cayfe. p. gj
St^* 50. No proof that there was ever anc
Church-mewber who in that fiate had an In^
fant born to him^ who was ndh* alfo a Church*
member, p. 104
Seft. 51, 52, How far the Law of Natnre pro*
'vetb what I ajfert. The Chnrch-ftate of In--
fants 710 difadvantage , but a great benefit :
f9 wherein proved j to Sed. 59. p. 105
Scft. 60. Afore particnlar proofs ^ as of Cain ,
Abel, Seth, Noahs SonSy Sec. p. 1 16
Seft. 70, to'/g. Proving the point fnlly from the
Covenant with Abraham. ?• 1 24
SeA.79, to 86. The point proved hy the promifes
to the Ifraelites. A virtual caufe may be long
in being before it be formally a caufe , and
may caufe at lafl without any change in it felfy
but in the recipient. P- 130
Seft. 86. The proof from thefccond Commandment
vindicated. P« 135
Seft. 87, to gi, Troofs from divers other texts.
^ P- 137
Seft.93, to g6. The cafe of Infants in the womb.
p. 140
Seft. 96, 97. Thefe ftatntes not repealed. Mr. T.'s
conceit that (jods promt fe cannot be repealed ,
con-
The Contents.
confHted. p. 141
Sed.98, fo 107. Divers Que ftiom offered to con-
fderation* p. 145
Sed. 107, &c. Ten Ijptmblin^ jQueftions to Mr*
T. ( pnhltjhed by hiwfelf agamfi my mU*)
P-I57
The fuller proof s from the New Teftament only
named as being before handled. p, 159
ji Confutation of the many z^rguments by which
Mr, T. vcGuld prove that Infants were not
Church-members under Chrifi, p. 161
The Contents of the Second Part,
THE Preface : ScA. i. Of Cotitroverfies -^
how far good or bad'^ with whom fharp re-
buke and earnefl contending is a duty, and with
vrhom not : And whofe duty it is, p. 1 85
S.cl. 2. Of the weight of the prefent C^ntrover-
fie^ that we make tt not greater or lef than it
is : And th^ fiate of it in part, p. 1 98
Cbap. 1. The occafwn of this Book^y from Mr,
Danvcis. p. 211
Cl'.ap. 2. More of my prefent judgement of the
Anabuft;(ls and their caufe ^ with a motion to
them for Communion and Peace, p. 2 16
Chap. 3. e^ general view of Mr, D^inycrs book,,
p. 234
Chap. 4. <L^r. Danvers Witneffes again ft Infant^
baptifm, Hi^ fad forgery againft the Dona-
tifli deteEicd : Hn marvellous falfif cation of
Auguftines
The Contents.
Auguftines third and fourth hookj again fl them
' de bapt. The faid hooks iiindicated. They prove
that the Donatifts confented to Infant- hapttfmy
and that the vphole Church held it ^ and no Chri-
Jiian thought tt vain. His forgery againfi
Vincemius Vidor : His [lander of Crefconius.
His flander of all the Novatians, His Jlander
of the Ancient Brittains deteUed, His reafons
for the Brittains being againfi Infant -bapt ifm
confuted: where many wore i^ntruths are de^
tededy of them and many others. His forge-
ries or falfe ftories of the MelTalians, called by
him J Dadoes, Sabas, Adulphus, Simonis
His flander of Fauftus Rhegicnfis His
deceit about Albanus. His grofs falff cation of
Nicephorus and flander of Peter of Apamea
and Zooras. His falfe ftory of Adrian Bifl)op
of Corinth ^ and his falfe report of Grcgories
dealing xvith him. His fable of z^gyptian
Divines. His fi5iion about one Beiiniu-j, and his
falfification of Beda concerning him. His for-
gery about Hincmarus Laudunenfis , and of
Hincnftrus Rhemenfis charge againfi him. His
flander of the WM^nks ^heretofore detebicd^and
further ly Nauclerus. A reference to our former
proofs of the antiquity of Infant -baptifm. N^zhn-
Z^ns judgement. His audaciom abufe of Cy-
prian and the Carthage Council. My repeat-
ed affertion of the novelty of Antipedohapttfm,
, P-239
Cnap. 5, Mr. T>!s great Calumnie of my fclf re-
futedy 04 tf I had falfly reported that feme at
that time vpere bapt iz.ed naked, p. 281
Chap,
The Contents^
Chap. 6. His ahufivc Citations of my Wfitings as
for his caufe. p. 285
Chap. 7. His many perfonat accufations of mttx^
amined. Whence it is that fo many boldly
fpeak. evil of the things they knovf not. His
reproach «/ [_ every one of my Non- conform-
ing Brethren, that my Doftrines in the parti-
culars accufed by him are heynous to every
one of them, ] vphen J remember not any one
of them that hath ever to me exfrejfed his dif-
fenty much lefs endeavoured to change my judge-
ment y hiA mjtny that have frofejfed their appro-
bation. His vain talk, of my being loft with
my friends •, by vphich he imply eth that they are
Hypocrites in concealing it , Mnd would makjs
me one in feekjng the applaufe of man. Hit
many faljhoods tn his ace ufat ions of felf-con-
tradiition and mutability » i. jihout Epifco^
pacy J 2. jibout Non-conformity r What he
meaneth by my fheltring my felf in their Tents
in a ftorm , and with their indulgence coming
forth of my hole.] 3. Gf my friendship to
Calvin and Arminius. 4. Of the parliaments
eaufe^ &c. 5. Of Tradition* 6. Of Popery,
7. whether a Controverfie may have difficult oh-
jeEiions againfi plain proofs. His Catalogue of
my heynous errors : A ]uft demand from the
Non-conformifts^ if there he any fuch, whom he
dothn§t flander : and from himfelf p. 28S
Chap. 8. The new Religion of my Backzbiters : or
a Catalogue of fame DoUrinesef Air. Danvers,
and the reft that joyn in his accufations of my
Writings^ if indeed they hold the contraries ta
that
The Contents.
-timr t^hith they accufcy as their accufation$
, feem to fptffofe •, viz. fifty fix New Command-,
- wntt and Dafhines. The good that thefe men
do. p. 313
Cfaap. 9. Mr, William Ailcn^ vindication of him-
ft If again fl: Mr- D/i mfrefort •, and my Tefti-
Tffony concerning Air^ Allen and Mr. Lamb.
P- 333
Cmtclnfkn , an Admonition to Mr* Danvers for
bisSepentance. P- 337
The Contents of the Third Part.
Chap, i.np HE frightful ajpt^ of his Reply
1 P- 345
Chap. 2. His impenitent falfe allegation of Wit^
neffes againft Infant-bap ifm. Of TenuUian j
vphether Cyprians DoBrine vpas uintichrif^ian.
Wickliff vindicated at largCy from his exprefi
. vpords, Berengarius vindicated. p. 349
Chap. 5. Mr. T>.'s juftification of his flander of
the Waldenfes confuted. Hts mtnejfes exa-
mined.^ and his unfaithfulnefs opened ^ and the
cafe of the Waldenfes more largely explicated^
. ... P-^79
Chap. 4. His impenitence in CaUimniating the
Donatifts and Novacians as againji Infant -ba-
ptifwy reprehended, p. 400
Chap. 5. Hts renewed Cahmny of the Old Bnt-
tains reproved, p. 402
<;:hap.
The Contents.
Chap. 6. His rafh import of Bijhofs Ufliers cen-
fiire of mcy Confidered. p. 404
Poftfcript. TheTeftimony of Smzxsi^us fully open"
ed : And the reports of Peter Abbas Cluniacen-
fis, and Bernard Abbas Clarevallenfis. Their
weak. difin^nuoHi conrfe of Printing my vpords
4s againfl my felf ( in a jheet called Mr^ Bax-
ters Arguments^ &c. cryed about theftreetf)
as if the necefpty of profeffed faith for our
felvesy would prove that our profejfed faith and
dedicating them to Gody were not fufficient for
the baptifmal reception of our Infants, p. 407
Readers,
MY pain and greater bufinefs deny me time to colleft
the Printers Errata, though I fee divers -, and there-
fore muft leave the difcerning of them to your felves.
And I again admonifh and intreat you, that tjfie deteftion
of the extr aordinary falfhoods and blind temerarious auda-
city of Mr. D. be not imputed to the whole KebapiTing par'*
ty, ( to whofe Praftice Oregor. Magn, paralleleth Keordaln-
ing^ ; and that his crimes abate not your Chrifijan Love
and tendernefs to others, there being truly Godly, wife,
and peaceable perfons, worthy of our Communion, and
willing of it, of that party as well as of others. Hearken
»ot to^ them that would render the Party o( Anabaptifls
odious or intolerable^no more than to thofe Anabaptlfis who
would perfwade thofe of their opinion to renounce Com-
munion with all others as unbapti2ed. It is againfl this
dividing fpirit on all fides that I Write and Preach.
The
CO
mwmm'mwi'iWi'i
Part L
Aij private Letters to Mr, Tombes provmg
the church-member jhip of Infants in all
ages y ^'indicated from hi^ unfattsfa^or.y
excepthnst
The Preface.
^i li K i 'S HE occafion and time of thefe
Letters is long ago publi/hed by
Mr. Tombes hinrifelf in the third
Part of his Anti-PAdobaftifm y
page 353. and forward •, where
he printcth the faid Letters without my confent :
Had I found his Anfwers fadsfadory ^ I had
changed my judgement and retraced that and
other fuch writings long ago. But I thought fo
much otherwife of them. that I judged it not nc-
ceilary, nor worth my diverting from better em-
ployment to write an anfwer to them;
f'sT,', And whatever the fingular judgement of that
B karncdt
(2)
learned and excellent ProfefTor of Theology men-
tioned in his Preface , was or is concerning the
arguments that I , and many before and fincc have
u^^d for Infant Bapcifm, and notwithftanding his
opinion that it w^j introdnced in the fecond Ccn»
tury^ &c. yet fo many wifcr and better men than
I, think otherwife both of the caufc, and of Mr, T's
v/ritings, that I hope the modefl: will allow me the
honour of having very good company if I Ihould
prove millaken.
^.3% No fober Chriftian will deny but that
Godly men of both opinions may be faved : And '
then I think no fuch Chriftian that is acquainted
with the Hillory of the Church, can choofe but
think that there are now in Heaven many thou-
fands, if not hundred thoufands that were not
againft Iflfant Baptifm, for one that was againft
it : And while we differ de jure , yet without
great ignorance of the ftate of the world , wc
muil needs agree that de fa5fo^ the number in the
Church of Chrift in all Nations and Ages that have
been againft Infant Baptifm hath been fo fmall ,
as that they make up but a very little part of the
Church triumphant : which though I take for no
proof of the truth of our opinion, yet I judge it
a great reafon to make me and others very tear-
ful of turning rafhly and without cogent proof
to the other fide, I know the Churches have
ftill had their blemiflies ; but that they (hould all
iiniverfally fo err in the fubjed of Baptifm and
Chriftianity it felf, is not to be believed till it be
proved^
^* 4. Though
<3)
^i 4. Though Chrift be hot the Author of air^
©f our errors, he is the healer of them.and he is the
EfFedor as well as the Diredor of his Churches
faiih and holinefs : And yet to fay that though
ihoufands or hundred thoufands are in Heav<tn
that were for Infant Baptifm , for one that waS
againft ir, yet Chrift was againft even fuch a con-
ftitutiveparcofhis Church ( as accounted) is nor,
to be received without good proof.
^. 5. For my part I muft ftill fay, that after all
that I have read for the Anabaptifts , and much
more than fuch Catalogues as Mr. Danvers^ I do'
not at prefent remember that I have read of any
one Chriftian that held the baptizing of Infants
unlawful , in many and many hundred years after
Chrift •, at leaft not any that denied not Original
fin .* Though indeed the Pelagians themfelves than
did deny it much , yet denied not Infant Bap-
tifm.
^, 6. But of this enough heretofore : I lay not
my faith on the number of Confenters • but in a
doubtful cafe I think the way that almoft all went
that are in Heaven, and took it as the very entrance
bf the door of life, is fafer ceteris farihm than
that which few in Heaven did own : And though
on earth I have more approvers than Mr.T. I
think mans approbation fo poor a comfort , a«
that I am forry to read in his Preface and elfe-
where how much he layeth upon it. Alas, were
it not more for the good of others than gur felves^^
B ;$ how
(4)
how incon/iderable a matter were it, whether men-
value and honour, or defpife us, and what we are
thought or faid of by each other , when we are
all on the borders of eternity, where the honour
of this world is of no fignification ?
5^. 7. In the anfwer which I muft give to
Mr. Tombes, fhould I tranfcribe all his words, and
anfwer every impertinent pafTage, I fhould need-
lefly weary the Reader and my fclf: I will there-
fore fuppofe the Reader to have his Book at hand,
and to take his words as he hath given him them,;
that I may not be blamed as concealing any of
them. And I fhall anfwer to nothing, but what
feemeth to me to need an anfwer : And for all
the reft I am content that the impartial Reader
judge of them as he findeth them : For I write
not for fuch as need an anfwer to every word that
is written , how frivolous foever , againft plaia
ti*uth.
MJcTombei
('5>
ci^r. Tombes his fir/l Letter.
SIR,
NOt finding yet that Law or Ordinance
of Infanrs vifil^le Church- memberr
fhip which you aiTert in your book of
Bapttfm to be unrepealed, I do requeil
you to fet down the particular Text
or Texts of Holy Scripture where you conceive
xhat Law or Ordinance is written, and to tranfmif
ic to mc by this bearer, that ycur allegations tnay
be confidered by him who is Yours as is meet^
ty^pril ^^ 1 6^$, JohnTomhsso
Richard Baxters Anfwer,
Sir, / mean to fee more faid againfi what I
•have aiready written^ before I will write any more
jihoHt Infant Baft if m , withoht a more "fr effing
tail than I yet dtfcern, J have -difcharged my
■Confcience^ and fljcJl leave you and yonrs to take
yoHr coiirfe, jdnd indeed I do not under f:and the
fenfe of yonr Letter , becanfe you fo joyn tfpo
^uefiions in one ^ that I know not which of the
fwo it is that y OH would have me anfwn to, Whe^
B 3 ther
CO
ther there were any Ordinances or Law of Go4
that Infants jiiould be Church-mcmbcrs ? is one
^Hejrtcn : . W> ttker thts he repealed ^ is argther :
yon joy n both into of^e. For the firfi^ that Infants
"Were (^hurch-mem^ers^ as you have not yet denied
that I know of y fa will I not be fo uncharitable
as to imagine that yon are now about it : And
much Uf that y<iH fhould have the lea ft doubt whe-
fher it were by Cjbds Ordination^ There are two
things confiderable in the matter, Firfl^ the be-
nefit of Chisrch-membcrjhip , with all the confe^
^uent priviledges. It is the work. f>f ^ grant or.
fromife to confer thefe^ and not diretlly of apre-
ifept. Secondly^ the duty of devoting and dedica-
ting the child to God^ and entring it into theCo-^
venant which confers the benefit ; and this is the
Vporh^ of a Law or Precept to confiitute this duty,
I am pafh ijoptbt that yon doubt, not of either of
thefe : For yon cannot imagine , that any Infant
had the bleffmg without a grant or promife, (that*s
impoffible ; ) nor that any Parents lay under a,
^ty without an obliging law^ (for that is as im^
pojjihle* ) Taking it therefore for granted that
J/OH are refolved in both thefe , and fo yield that
fuch a grant and precept there was , there re-
mains no que ft ion but whether it be repealed:
which I hdve long expeBed that you Jhould prove.
For citing the particular iexts in which the or^
Aination u contained , though more may be faid
than is faid^ yet I (hall think^it nee die f^ tilllfet
m^ ordination contained in thofe Texts which I
have already mentioned to you^ proved to he re-
^erfed. Nor do I k^ow that it is of fo great ufe '
"' "' *". '" ' •■'••' ■ - f(f
(1)
to fland to cite the f articular Texts , 'ixhile yotjt
confef in general^ that fpich a fromfe and free eft
there is, hy vertne of which Jnj ants rvtre tillLhrijh
ttr/^e duly TKembers of Chrtjis Chitrch (forChrifis
Church It was ) even his urii'verfal vtfible Church.
Still remerKber that 1 take the word [^ law ] not
firitily for a precept only , hnt largely , as com-
frehendtng both prcmife and precept, and I have
already jhewed yon both, and fo have others*
So much of your endeavour as hath any tenden^
cy to the advancement of holinefs, I am willing
to fecond you in, viz. that at the age you dtfxre
people might folemnly profefs their acceptance of
Chrifi, and their refolution to be his : But I hope
Cod will find me better wor\!^ while I mufi flay
here^ than to fpcndmy time to prove that no In^
fants of believers are within Chrifis vifible
Churchy that is, are no J-nfant Difciplcs, Infant
Chrifiians , Infant Qmrch-members, I know no
glory it will bring to Chrifi, nor comfort to many
nor fee I now any appearance of truth in it, I
hlefs the Lord for the benefits of the B apt ifmal Co-
venant that I enjoyed in infancy, and that I was
dedicated fo foon to God, and not left wholly in
the Kingdom and power of the Devil, They that
dejfife this mercy, or account it none, or not worth
the accepting, may go without it , and take that
whieh they get by their ingratitude^ And I once
hoped, that much lefs than fuch an inundation of
direful confcquents as our eyes have feen, would
have done more for the bringing of you back, te
fiop the doleful breach that yoH have made, lam
fain to ^etid my time now to endcAVour the rr-
B 4 (ovtrjf
covery of fome of your Opinion who are lately
turned Quakers^ or at leafl the 'preventing of
others jipofiafie : which is indeed to prevent the
emptying of your Churches. Which I fuppofe will
be a more acceptable work^with yoH^ than again
to write againft rebaptiz^ing , or for Infant Bap^
tifm. Str^ I remain your imperfeii brother ^ know-
ing bnt in fart, yet loving the truth ,
Rich. Baxter.
Air, Tombes hk fee end Letter*
Sir ', I confefs Infants were by Gods fad: of
taking the whole people of the Jews forhispeo-
plcj in that eftate of the Jewiih Pjedagogy ( not
by any promife or precept ^ vifible Church-mem-
bers, that is, of the Congregation of JfraeL I do
pot confefs that there was any Law or Ordinance
determining it fhould be fo , but only a fad of
<God , which is a tranfeunt thing , and I think it
were a fooliiTi undertaking for me to prove the
repeal of a fad. Wherefore ftill I prefs you that
you would (hew me where that Law, Ordinance,
Statute or Decree of God is that is repeaiable ,
that is, which may in congruous fence be either
by a later ad faid to be repealed, or elfe to be
eftablifhed as a law for ever. This I never found
in your books, nor do I conceive that law is im-
plied in any thing I grant •, and therefore I yet pray
you to fet me down the particular Text or Texts
of Holy Scripture where that Law is. Which
need not hinder you from oppofing the Quaker^
- Tin
(9)
( in which I have not and hope fhal] not be want-
ing j of whom I think that you are mifinfornfied
that they are Anabaptifts, I think there are very
few of them that were ever baptifcd , and have
good evidence that they have been formerly Seek-
ers, as you call them. And I think you do un-
juftly impute the direful confequences you fpeak
of to the denial of Infant Bapcifm, and to the
prad^ice of adult Baptifm , and that as your felf
are deceived fo you millead others. I yet ex-
peA your Texts, knowing none in any of your
Books that mention that law of Infants vifibic
Church-memberfliip which you aflert either ex-
plicitly or implicitly, and am yours as is meet,
Bevcdly^ April ^. i6^^, JohnTomhes,
Richard Baxters fecond Letter.
Sir, If yon will needs recall me to thi< ungrateful
vcork^j let me rc{^Uffl yon to tell me fully ^ exaElly
and plainly, what tranjicnt f^r.tl yon me^^^n^ which
you conceive without law or prom^ife did make
Church-members : that fo I may k^now where the
competition lieth. When I k^.ow yenr meaning j I
intend, God willing, to fend you a jpeedy anjwer
to yoHT lafi. Tour fc How- ferv ant y
April i6. 1655. Rich.Bixter*
Mr* Tombes
tMr. Tombcs his third Letter.
Sify The tranfeunt fad of God , whereby In-
fants were viiible Church-members, was plainly
esprcft in my laft to you, to be the taking of the
whole people of the t^ws for his people, which
is the expreffionof zj^ojhy T>eiit, 4. 34. £aW.
6.7. Aad by it I mean that which is exprefled
Levit. 20, 24.. 26. when God faid, I have feve*.
red you from other feofle^ hat you jhonld be mine.
The fame thing is eAprelTed iA'^w^jS. 53. Ifai.
43.1. This I term [fad 3 as conceiving it mofl
comprehenfive of the many particular ads in many
generations, whereby he did accomplifh it. Fol.
lowing herein Stephen^ Auls 7. 2. and Nehem. 9, 7*
I conceive it began when he called Aoraham out
of Vr , Gen. 12. i. to which fucceeded in their
times the enlarging of his family , removing of
Loty Jjhmaely the fons of KetHrah^ Efaiiy diftin-
dion by Circumcifion, the birth of //'^^c, Jacobs
his leading to Fadan Aram , increaie there, re-
moval to C^naariy tozy£gypty placing, preferving'
there, and chiefly the bringing of them thence, to
which principally the Scripture refers this fad ,
Exod. 19. 4. Levit* 1 1.45. Nehem. i. 10. Hof.
II. I. the bringing them into the bond of the
Covenant at Mount Sinaiy giving them laws, fet-
tling their Priefthood, tabernacle, army, govern-
ment, inheritance. By which fad the Infants of
the Jfraelites were vifible Church-members as be-
ing part of the Congregation of Jfrael , and in
like manner though not with equal right ( for they
might
plight be fold away) were the bought fervants
or captives, whether Infants or of age, though
their Parents were profelTed Idolaters. And this
I faid was without proniifc or precept, meaning
fuch promife or precept as you in your Letter fay
I confefs, and you defcribe, a fromtfe conferring
to Infants the benefit: of ChHrcb-rKemberJhtp with
mil the confecjuent priviledges^ a frecept conflitti^
ting the duty of devoting and dedicating the child
to God J ana entring into (Covenant ^ which confers
fhe benefit. For though I grant the promifes to
the nuural pofterky cf jibrahanty Gen, 17. 4,5,
6, 7, 8, and the Covenant made wirh Jfrael at
Mount Sinai y and Dent, 29, wherein Ifraei avouch-
ed God, and a precept of Circumcifion, and pre-
cepts of God by oJlfofes of calling the people ,
and requiring thera to enter into Covenant ,
£xod, 19. and Dent. 29. Yet no fuch particular
promife concerning Infants vifible Church-mem-
berfliip, or precept for Parents or others , con-
cerning the folemn admifTion of Infants as vifible
Church-members, befides Circumcifion, as in your
Book of Baptjfm you afTert. Nor do I conceive
that Infants of Ifraei were made viable Church-
members by the promifes in the covenants or the
precepts forenamed, but by Gods tranfeunt fad:
which I have defcribed. Which I therefore term
[ tranfeunt ] becaufe done m time , and fo not
eternal , and paft , and fo not in congruous fence
repealabie as a law, ordinance, ftatute, decree,
which determines fuch a thing fball be for the fu-
ture, though capable of continuance in the fame
pr the like ads, or of interruption. Which con-
tinu-
ri2;
tinuance or interruption is known by narration of
what God hath done, not by any legal revocation,
or renewing, or continuance of a promife or pre-
cept concerning that thing. Now as the Church-
memberfhip of the Ifraelites began as I conceive
with ^irahams call, and was compleated when'
they were brought cut of ^^gy^t to God, Exod,
19. 4. (o I conceive it ceafed when upon their re-
jedion of Chrifl as was fore-told Matth. 21. 43.
they were broken off from being Gods people ,
which was compleated at the deftrud:ion of Jeru^
falem^ when the temple was deftroycd, as Chrift
fore-told, Luk^e 19. 43, 44. And in.^cad of the
Jewiih people by the preaching of the Gofpel conr
firmed by mighty (igns, God gathered to himfeif
a Church of another frame in a fpiriiual way ,
according to the inftitution of Chrift, Matth.iS.
19, 20. Mark^i6. 15, 16. in which he included
not Infants, the Jews therafelves were no part of
the Chrifrian Church without repentance and
faith in Chrift profefTed at leaft.
■ Having now fully, exadly, and plainly told yoik
my meaning as you rcqueft, I do now expcd your
fpeedy anfwer tomy laft, and therein to fulfil my
requefl of fetting down the particular Texts of
tioly Scriptdre wherein that law largely taken
comprehending promife and precept of Infants vi-
able Church-mcmberfhip, which ycu alTert to be
r:nrepealed, is contained. Ifyou (hall in your an-
fwer fer down whertin the blefliii^, benefit, and
-priviledgcs of Infants vifibleChurch-memberfhipy
jwhich you affert unrepealed, Aai confift-, I may
better
(13)
bettet underftand you than I do : But I (hall prefs
you no further than you (hall be willing in this
thing. lam Yours as is nicer,
Bervdleyy j4fril 2 1 . 1 65 5 . John Tomhes,
Richard Baxters third Letter being long, is di-
vided by Mr. Tomhes into fevcral {edions , and
his Anfwers accordingly divided ; which order I
tnuft therefore obferve in my reply. The words
of the Letter are.
SECT. I.
R. B. Q I R , ui frobahility of doing or receiving
O goody is to me a call to aBion* Seeing
no fuch probability J I told you at firfi my purpo-
fes to forbear any firthcr debates with yon , till
yoH had better anfwered what ^ is faid^ In yohr
next yoH feemcdto deal fo plainly ^ as if fomefmaH
probability of good did yet appear: But in your
third you fly off again and eat yonr ovpn wordsy and
jumble things in much confnfwny fa that I now re-
turn again to my former thought s. Tor you that
exprejly fay and unfay^ and contradiB: your f elf ^
are not likely to be brought to a candid manage-
ment or fair ijfue of the Difputc. Toul fure
thinks it no great matter to be driven to a felf-
contradiciion ( which with ethers is to lofe the
Caufe ) who fo eaftly and ex pre fly run upon it your
felf
*' Mr* 7^s Anfwcr^ It was a call fufficient, &c.
Reply,
(14)
Re fly. I muft be the difcerner of my own Cat!
or Reafons to write ; time is precious : As for his
offence at Mr, M, and Mr. Firmin for charging
him with fophiftry, and at Mr. Fi?r^ for charging
him with railing, and Mr. Gatak§r for doubting ii is
his difpofition to braze his forehead •, and his owa
angry words hereupon, they concern not our pre-
fent bufinefs.
SECT. II.
R, Bi XN yoHr fecond you fay [ Iconfc^ infant?
X were by Gods fad of taking the whole
people of the Jews for his people , in that eftate
of the Jewifh Pedagogy, not by any promife or
pr.cepc, then vifible Church-members, that is, of
the Congregation cf Ifrael •, I do not confefs, that
there was any Law or Ordinance determining h
fhould be fo, buc only a fad of Godj which is a
tranfeunt thing, &c.^ Jn your third, yon fay ^
\_ For though I grant the promifes to the natural
poflerity of ^r^/7^w 5 Gen, 17*4,556,7,8. and
the Covenants made with Ifrael at mount Sinai ,
and Dent. 29; wherein Ifrael avouched God, and
a precept of Circumcifion, and precepts of God
by Mofs of calling the people, and requiring of
them to enter into Covenant, Exod» 19. & Dem*
29. yet no fuch pairticular promife concerning in-
fants vifible Church-memberfhip , or precept for
Parents or others concerning the folemn admillion
of Infants as vifible Church-members befides Cir-^
cumcifion, as in your book of ^^/>r//z» you affert ]
B^foYt
ri5)
Before there was no {_ Law or Ordinance deter-
mining it (hould be fo , but only a fad: 3 nox9
there are Lavps or precepts and promifes that it
JIjohU befo^hnt [not fuch as I aflert in my book. 3
jind if Ifiould jljew yoH never fo many^ yon may
reply , they are not fuch as I ajfert m my hook^^
and wafle the time in that trial^ when it ii better
for me to fee firfi what you fay to that book,: For
this is but to lead us about to trifitng,
'' Mr. T's Anfwer. There is no fhadow of a
*' contradidion, c^c.
Reply. Let the inipartial Reader judge.
SECT. IIL
R. B. 'Tp O make any clear worh^ upon the things
JL in que ft ion y we mufl necejfarily {peak^
to the queflions dtflintily^ many of which yon too
much confound. The fir ft queftion in order fit to
be refolvedtSy \^ whether Infants before Chrifts in'
carnation were Church-members , or not ? J yoU
grant they were : and therefore this is paft difpute
with m. The fecond que ft ion and the fir ft refold
ved^ is \_what Church tt is that Infants were
members of f ]] This you give me occafon to take
in the way^ becaufe you twice explain your me an^
tngy when you confefs them Church-members , by
an i i. e. of the congregation of IfraeL ] By
which you feem to imply two things : Firft , that
none but the Infants of the Congreaticn of Ifrael
were Church-members : Secondly^ that the infants
f/* Ifrael were members of no Church but what is
teon»
(-16)
tonvertihle vpith the congregation of Ifrael*'] The
third queflion ;>, what it is that gives the Ifrae^
lites that denomination of [^ the Congregation of
Jfrael 3 of which Infants wefe members ? Foryun
jumble both together^ both canfes Civil, and Eccie^
fiajiical^ and of both thofe that make to the being
and well-being. So that our enquiry miifl be ^
whether the (Congregation and the Commonwealth
be the fame thing in yonrfenfe ? ~\ and what confii-
tuteth it formally ? por in this you fpeak in dark^
ambiguities, The fourth queflion is , [[ Whether
there wa^ any Law^ Ordinance or Precept of God
concerning mans duty herein^ or obliging him to
the Covenant acceptance and engagement^ and fo
to men.berfnp'^ and any promife^ grantor Cove-'
nant^ conferring the right of Church-memhcrflnp
and the confcquent prtviledges to Infants ? ^ T9. ,
this you fay both Tea and Nay y if I can under-
ft and you , or at leaft as to muc h of the queftion
concerning the heing , and part of the ejfcih of
the precept and prcmifc. Tet you conclude ^ that
you [^ do not conceive that Infayns of Jfrael were
made vtfihle Church-members by the promifes in
the Covenants^ or the precepts fore- named, but by
Gods tranfeunt fati, ~\ I will not fiifpefi that you
imagine any other prorrnfe doth it bcfides that in the
Covenant, be c an fe your tying the ejfc^to the tran^
feunt faEi doth exclude them* Here we are caft
upon thefe qucflions next. The fifth queftiony
[^ whether there be finch precepts and pronnfies as
you grant^ {or as I fiiall prove ) which yet makj
77dt Infants Church-members,^ ] The fixth quefti-
ony [* Whether there be any tranfeunt faEi ofGod^
(I?)
Vphich without the efficie^2cy of precept or promife
did make the Infants of JfraelChHrch-memhcrs ? J
The fcventh qnefiio^iy [_ Whether thcfe which yon
ha've affignedbe fichfaCis ? ] The eighth que ft ion ^
(^ which are the Texts of Scripture that contain or
expreji the faid laws^ precepts^ or grants which I
maintain ? ~\ this yon in/iflHpo}:^ The ninth qitefti-
on^ ^ Whether fnch laws , preceps or grar.is as I
Jhall prove, are capable of a repal or revocation ? ]]
The tenth qnejiion^ [Whether they are a^ituHy re-
voked or repealed ? \
^^yiic.T's Arjfwer. The eighth queftion is the
*' only queftion needful to be refolved ^ &c»
Reply. If I do too much it is but your palling
ic by, and it will not trouble you.
SECT. IV.
R. B. 'VyEfore all thefe que ft ions are well hand"
JD led^ we jljcnld eafily be convinced that
it had been better either to have let hU alone , or
el fey if we mtift needs have the other boHt^ at leafc
to have agreed on our lermSy and the fating of
the qneftions better before we had be.aun. jind
1 thinks that even that i^ not eafie to do, 'por when
I defired your plain , exacl and full explication
of one word [] tranfeunt faB ~\ and you tell me
you have plainly^ fully and exacily told me your
meaning : It falls oiity either through the unhap-
py darkjief of my own underftandi?ig^ or yours ^th at
I know but little more of your mind than I did
before , and that yon feem to me to have raifed
G mor0
(i8;
wore doubts and darknefs than y oh have refolveS
and dijfipated, Tet being thm far drawn in , /
/7W/ briefly fay fomewhat to the fever al queflions^
not following your defires to anfwer one alone :
Vphich cannot be done to any furpofe while the fore-
going are nnrefolved , becanfe it is the clearing
ftp of truth, and not the ferving of your prefent
ends in your writings now in hand that I mnfi
intend,
^^ Mr. T's Anfwer, I afFed no more bouts with
" fuch a captious wrangler fo many doubts
*' fcem not to be from the darknefs of the un-
*' derftanding, but either from the lightnefs of the
*' fancy , or the bent of the will , to find a way
*' to blunt the Readers attention, c^c.
Reply. This is not the Controverfie : Is your
judgement alike right of perfons as of Dodrines ?
S E C T. V.
R. B. np HE fir ft queflion being refolved that
JL Infants were once Chirrch-members y
to the refolving of the fecond queftion , / fliall
-prove thefe two Propoftions* I* That it was not
cnly the Infants of the Congregation of Ifrael
that were Church-members, 2. The Infants of
Ifrael were members of the univerfal vifible (^hurch^
and not only of that particular Congregation. The
fir ft I have proved already in my book* And 1*
llaac was a Chnrch-membery yet none of the Con-
gregation of Ifrael • it was not Ifrael till Jacobs
day Si If you fay that by the ^Congregation of
Ifrael 3
(19)
ifrael ] you mean [ the feed of Abraham vphich
had the promtfe of Canaan] Tet 2* J fay y that
Ifhmael and Ab}[a[ums feed by Keturah a?idE{m
had none of the fromife , and yet were Church^
members in their infancy, [_Jn [(23icf)a/i thy feed
be called ~| that /V, that feed which had the pro-
mi fe of Canaan. And fa tt was confined to Ja-
cob, who got the blejfing and the birthright y
which EidU lofiy and was excluded^ yet was of the
Church frora his infancy. The Son of the bond-^
woman was not to be heir with the Son of the
free-woman^ yet was Ifhmael an Infant member t,
Jf you fay J that by \^the Congregation of Ifrael]
yott mean all the natural fed of Abraham: 1 addy
3. The children of his bond- men born in his farni-
ly^ or bought With mony^ were none 0/ Abrahams
natural feed , and yet were Church-members iti
their infancy. If you go yet further , and fay ,
that by \_ the Congregation of Ifrael _] you mean.
all that were at the abfolute dijpofe of Abraham
or h^s fuccejforsy and fo were his own: I addy 4*
The Infants of free Profelytcs were none fuch 3
and yet were Church-members, If you yet go fur'*
thcr^ and fay^ that you mean by [^ the Congrega^
tion of Ifrael ] a?iy that came under the govern-
ment of Abraham or his fuccejfors : then I add ,
5, That the Sichemites, (7^;/. 34. were not to come
under Jacobs government^ but to be his allies and
neighbours , being fo many more in number than
Jacob, that they concluded rather that his cattle
and fubflance fiwuld be theirs •, yet were they cir"
cumcifed every male , and fo were made m.embers
of the vifible frofejfwg Church, for it was not
C z tH
the bare external fi^n that Jacob or his fans would
ferfwade them to ^ withont the thing fgnified:
For the reproach that they mentioned of giving
their daughter to the uncircumcifed ^ wa6 not m
the defeli of the external abfcifjjon •,/«?r /o'Mofes
own fon ^ and all the Jfraelites in the -wildernefi
fljould have been under the fame reproach^ and all
the females continually : But it was in that they
were not in (Covenant with the fame God , and
did not profcf to Worflnp the fame God in his
true rpay of wor(i}ip as they did. And therefore^
as Bapttz^mg is not indeed and in Scripture fence
Baptizi/7g 5 if it be not ufed for engagement to
Gody even into his name •, fo Circmncifion is not,
indeed and in Scripture fence CircHmcifian^ unle^
ft be ufed as an engaging fign^ and they be cir^
curficifed to God,
*^ Mr. T's A-nfwer. By [ the Congregation of
*^ Jfrael J I mean the fan^e v/ith the Hebrew peo-
*' pie or houfe of Abraham — by an anticipa-
*' tion, c^c.
Reply, I, That not only the Infants of Abra^-
hams houfe were Church-mennbers fhall be pro-
vecf.
2. Here he is forced to take in the Children
of Keturah, Ifimael, and Efau^ into [ the Con-
gregation of Ifrael 1 ^ And fo to extend Infants
Church-raemberlhip further than the Jews Cora
mon-vveahh. For let the Reader judge, whether
the pofterity of Ijhm.aely Efau and Keturah were
of that Repubh'ck, or Profelytes either, and not
isifually errenfiie?,
3- Hsr
3. He is forced to extend Infants Churcb-
memberChip to whole Cities that would be buc
iheir Allies, as the Sichewites were: For when
he faith [^ Thty were one peo-ple ] by confent ,
he could not fay that they were to be their fub-
jtds and fo members of their Kepubiick. And
they may be [_ one peofle ] by mixture and con-
federacy, wkhout fubjediion. And there is no in-
timation that the SichemUes were to part with
their former Governours and be fubjed to Ja-
cob, And then if all the Kingd ms about would
but have been accordingly ''■Jacobs confederates,
it feems Mr. T. mud yield ihac their Infants had
been vifible Church-members.
SECT. V L
R. B. TT was then the duty of all the Nations
\. TO mid about (if not of all the Nations
on earthy that could hcive information of the Jew^
ijjj Religion ) to engage themftlves and their
children to God by Qircumcifion, That all that
would have any alliance and cow.merce with the
Jews mnft do tt^ is commonly cofife (fed: that it
miifl extend to Infants^ the cafe of the Sichemites
( though deceitfully drawn to it by fome of Jacobs
fons) doth file w J and fo doth the Jewijh fraliice
which they were to imitate : that the fame engage-
mait to the fame God is the duty of all the
worldy is commonly acknowledged^ though Divines
¥tre -not agreed whether the diflant nations were
obliged to ufe Circimcifwn the Jewijh fign. The
C 3 h^fi
hefi of the Jews were z^ealoHs to make Profclytes^
and no doubt bnt the very law of nature did
teach them to do their hefi for the falvation of
others. To think^fuch charitable and holy works
unlawful , is to think it evil to do the greatefi
good. And if they mnfi perfwade the neigh-
vour nations to come in to God by Covenant en-*
gdgeynenty they mnft perfwade them ta bring their
children with them , and to devote them to God
04 well as themfelves* For the Jews knew na
other covenanting or en^ging to God* As the
Sichemitcs mufl do^ fo other nations mufl do : For
what priviledge had the children of the Siche-*
mites above the refi of the world?
*' Mr, T's Anfwer, The argument in form
*' would be thus : If it were the duty of all the
^' nations round about to engage themfelves and
" their children to God by circumcilion, then it
^^ was not only the Infants of the Congregation
^' of Jfrael that were Church-members, c^c.
Reply, I. You fl^ould have (aid [^ that would
have been Church-members had they done that
duty J, But you can befl ferve your own turn.
2. One Supream Power maketh one Republick
( with the fubjeds ) ; And many Soveraigns make
many Republicks ( asallgrant J -.'Therefore if all
the Nations about had engraffed themfelves into
the Congregation oUfrael but as th: Sic hemites did,
they had not made one Republick, as to humane
Soveraignty : I prefume to tell you my thoughts
of fuch a cafe f and fo of the Sichemites ) : It
was the glory of Jfrael to be a Theocracy : God
WJis their Soveragin^ not only as he was of all
f > th?
(^3)
the world ( de jure and by overruling their hu-
mane Soveraign : ) but by fpecial Revelation doing
the work a Soveraign himfelf : He made them
Laws ( and not Mofu ) : Reappointed them Cap-
tains under him by Revelation : He decided cafes
by Oracle : He gave them Judges that were Pro-
phets , and aded by his extraordinary fpiric.
Though (iJMofes is called a King, he was but an
Official Magiflrate , Captain and Prophet : [] A
Prophet fhall the Lord your God raife up to you
like unto me, c^c. ] faith he : which had imme-
diate refped to the form of Government and man-
ner of fucceflion, ( as differing from the way of
Kings which the Ipraelites finfully preferred af-
terward , cafling off this fpecial Theocracy )
though ultimately it intended Chrid. Now, this
being fo, the Sichemites or any other nations who
would have taken God for their Soveraign ^ and
come under this fpecial prophetical Theocracy ,
(which Circcmcifion engaged them to as refpe-
ding the Laws to which it bound them) had
been fo far united to Ifrael. But hotv far mighc
this have extended ? To the reft that he faith I
confent. If you will not hold to this you mufl
fay that the Sichemites were to be of the fame
Communitie with Jfrael^ and not of tl-ie fame
Republick , which (ignifieth either ungoverned
Communities or various Republicks confede-
rating.
C 4 . SECT,
55
r24)
SECT. VII.
R. B. TN Hefters tme many of the people be-^
X came Jews^ Heft. 8. 17. who yet veere
not under their government, cy4ndtohe Jews is
to be of the 'jevpijh frofcjfion. And it is well
known that this was to be circumctfed^ they and
their little ones ( as the Profelytes were j and fo,
to keep the Law of Mofes,
'^ Mr. T's Anfxfer. They were incorpo-
^' rated into the JewiOi people, e^c,
Keply, This needeth no reply byt what is given
to the former.
S E C T. V 1 1 1.
R. B. '"^^HE fcattered and captivated Jews.
JL themjelves were from under the Go-
njernment of Abrahams fuccejfors, and yet were to
CircHtncife their children oa Church-members, -
^' Mr. T's Anfwer is the fame, and the Reply
*' the fame.
SECT. IX,
R. B, "yrTTMen Jon2i\f reached to Ninive, />
VV w^ all the race of man among
them^ without exception^ from the greateji to the
feafiy that was to fafi and join in the humUiation :■
Ergo,
Ergo, ally even Infants as well as others , were to
-partake of the rcnnjfion. If you fay , the heafis
were to faft too : I anfwer^ as they were capable
in their kind of part of the cwrfe^ fo were they
of part of the hencft^ but their capacity was not
as mans : They fijied to manifefi mans humilta-
tion. And if by the hnmiliation of the aged the
beafis fped the better in their kind, no wonder tf
Infants Jpcd the better in theirs , and accordtno-
to their capacities^ and that was to have a remiQi-
en fuitable to their fin,
'' Mr. T's finfwer. Neither aged nor infants
^' were vifible Church-members, c^c.
Reply, This only proveth by parity of Reafon,
their capacity of it , and that they would have
been fuch , if they had truely turned to God :
which yet I cannot fay that many of theiu did
not according to the terms of the Common Co-
venant of Grace made with Adam and No'e ^
though they came not under the Covenant of pe-
culiarity : And if fo fas Repentance is to be inter-
preted in the bell fenfe till the contrary be pro-
ved j I leave it to the Reader, whether Gods^
laying on the Infants their fhare ( as capable )
in the humiliation , imply not fuch a fhare as
they are capable of in the benefit ? And the cafe
of the Ifraelites Infants fl- eweth what they were
capable of.> Mr. T's denial is no difproof.
SECT,
(i6)
SECT. X.
R. B. WJ^'^^ ^ have [aid of Sem and many
VV others , and their pofierity already^
J Jhall not here again repeat : and more will be
faid anon to the foUoxving queflions,
^^ Mr, TsA^fwer is none, and needs no Re-
"ply-
SECT. XL
R. B, Tp HE fecond profofttion to he f roved
Sl ^"5 that [ the Ilraelites children vpere
members of the Hniverf^l vijible (^tourch of (lorifi
AS vpell as of the Congregation of Ursid J Bat this
yoii did heretofore acknowledge , and therefore
Jfuppofe veill not now deny, I fnffofe it fafi con-
troverfe between /^ ; i. That Chrifl had then a
Church on earths As Abraham faw Chrifis day
and reioycedy and Mofes fujfered the reproach of
Chrifis Heb. it* 26* and the Prophets enquired of
the falvation by Qhrifi , and fe arched diligently^
and prophefied of the grace to come •, and it was
the fpirit of Chrifi which was in thofe Prophet i
fignifying the time^ and tefifying beforehand the
fnfferings of Chrifl^ and the glory that jhouldfol"
low, I Pet. I. 10, 1 1. So were they part of the
Church of Chrift , and members of the body of
Chrifiy and given for the edification of that body :
Though it was revealed to them that the higher
fri"
friviledges cf the Church ^ftcr the cov'ing of
Chrifi, were twt for them but for u>^ I Pet. 1.12.
2' I ftppofe it agreed on aljo between lu > that
there was no true Church or EccUftaflical wcrfhip^
jing fociety appointed by Cod tn all the world
jince the fally but the Chut ch of Chrifl^ and there-
fore either Infants were n^embers cf Chnjis
Church 5 or of no Church of Cods inflitution.
Mofes Church and Chrifts Church according to
Gods infiitution were not two , but one Church.
For Mofcs wa6 Chrifts Vfjcr , and his ceremo-
nies were an obfcurer Cofpel to leadrKcn to Chrift :
^nd though the foelijJj jews by mifunderftand-
ing them made afeparation^ and made Mo^ts Di-
fciplesto be feparate from Chrifts Difciples^ and
fo ft up the alone \^f}adows of thi>;gs to comcy
yet the body is all of Chrift] Col. 2. 17. and by
fo doing they violated Gods infiitution , and un-
churcht thcrr/fel'ves, 3. I fuppofe it agreed alfo^
that Chrifts Church ts but one , and that evert
thofe of all ages that are net at once vifble^ yet
wake up one body, 4. jind that therefore who-
ever is a member of aiiy particular Church is a
member of the univerfaL ( Though the Church
was more emnnently called Catholicity when the
wall of feparation wa^ taken down. ) But Iremjem^-
ber I have proved this in my Book^^ part, i.cbap.
20. and therefore pall Jay no more now.
" Mr. T's Jnfwer, The two firft are granted.
^' To the third, Though whoever is a member of
^' any particular Church is a member of the uni-
^' verfal ^ yet it follows not, (which Mr. B. drives
[^ at, and vainly talks of his proving) that every
^^ one who was a member of the univerfal Church,
/'in that hewisa member of the Jevvih Church-
*^ particular, was a vifible member of every parti-
'' cular vifible Church of Chrift. 2. Nor that every
"one that was a member of theuniverfal Church ,
*^ in that he was a member of a vifible particular
*' Church of Chrift, was a vifible member of the
" Jewifh particular Church, e^c.
Reply, I. None of this ever came into my
thoughts which he untruly faith I drive at, c^c*
What fober man could imagine either of thcfe
afTertions ? What pittitul abufe of ignorant Rea-
ders is this ? 2. And what a poor put off to the
point in hand > That which I faid is but that all
particular vifible Churches and members, make
up one vifible univerfal Church , and therefore
every vifible member of any particular Church
is a member cf theuniverfal? He durft not deny
xhis,. and yet a flander ferveth his turn.
SECT. XIL
R, B. f^Oncerning the matter of the third qHe-
V_V fiion, I ajfcrt that [_it n>a4 not only
of the Jews Common-n^ealth that Infants were
TKerKtbers -i but of the Church difiinti from it* ~\
This is frovedfuffciently in what is fatd befere.
*' Mr. T's Ar/Jveer. As yet I find it not proved
" that the Jewifh Church was diftind from the
*^ Common-wealth , or that there was not any
*' member of the Church who was not of the
" Common-wealth.
Re fly.
(2P )
Reply, I. It is only a formal and not a wateri-
al diftindion that I medled v/ith : The formal
reafonof a Church-member and a Civii-memb.r
differ, at leaft after the choice of Kings, whea
the Republick was conftituted by a humane head :
Of which I refer the Reader to Mr. Galitfpie's
Aarons Rod ; If the Jews Common-wealth be
fpeclHed as a Theocracy from God the Soveraign,
the Sichemites were ot it, and other nations might,
2. But many fay that fome were of the Common-
wealth that were ROt of the Church, though not
contrarily : And be they diftind or not , it fuffi-
ceth me that Infants were of the Church,
SECT. XIII,XIV,XV,XVL
R. B. li yT(9;^fo^'fr , i. Infants were Church"
1 V Jl members in Abrahams family before
Circumcifion^ and after when it was no Common^
wealth. So they were in Ihacs, Jacobs, c^c.
2. The banifjed^ captivated ^ fcattered Jews ^
that ceafedtobe members of their Common-wealthy
yet ceafed not to be of their Church.
3. The people of the Land ^ that became Jews
in Hcfters time , joyned not themfelves to their
Common-wealth : Nor the Sichemites*
4. <tJ^any Trofclytes never joyned the mf elves
to their Common-wealth,
"Mr.T. affirmethchem all to have been Com-
*' mon-wealths.
Anfwer, The word being ambiguous may in a
large fenfe be extended to a family, and to a
fcatrered
(30)
fcattcrcd people that have no Soveraign ^ but 13
•not fo ufually taken.
SECT. XVIL
R.B.T^HS Children of Abraham by Ketu-
X rah, when they were removed from hU
family were not unchnrcheA ; and yet were no mem-
hers of the Jews Common-wealth, But I jJjall take
fsp with r^hat is faid for this already , nnderta^
king more largely to manifef ity when I perceive
it necejfary and nfefnU
^' Mr. T's Anfwer, Abrahams children by Ke^
'^ tiirah when out of the Conamon-weahh of the
" Hebrews were unchurched •, at leaft in refped
" of the Church of the Hebrews,
Reply, I. What a wide gap doth that \^ at
leaft ] make you, yet to fay. They were a Church
or no Church, as you pleafe? 2. Reader, ufe
Scripture but impartially, and in the fearofGod^
and I will leave it to thy Confcicnce to judge
whether it be credible, that when God had fore^
told that j4braham would command his children
and houfhold after him to keep the way of ihe
Lord, Gen, 18. 19. and when Iflimael^ Keturahs
children , and Efaii , were circuracifed by Gods
command, and God had yet promi fed the Poli-^
tical peculiarities fpecially to Ifaac , and Jacob ^
yet God would have all the grandchildren of
Ijhmdely Ketttrahj Efau to be uncircumcifed : anrf
all their pofterity to ceafe that ufage, as foon as
they were out of Jibrahams houfe : when yec
Hiftory
Hlftory affureth us that they long continued it :
Or whether God would have them circamcifed
and yet be no Church-members ? Believe as evi-
dence conftrainech thee.
S E C T. X V 1 1 L
R. B. ''^O the fourth que ft ion I affert that (^ i.
X There was a Law or Precept of Cod ch-
li^irig the Pare?2ts to enter their children into Cove-
nant with Godyby accepting his favour ^and re-inga-
ging and devoting them to God^andfo entrtng them
Jolemnly Church-members, ~\ And \_z*there was
A Covenant^ promife or grant of God^ by which
he offered the Church -member^np of fome Infants
and actually conferred it , where hps offer Was ac-
cepted, 3 / jlionld have mentioned this firfiy find
therefore will begin with the proof of this. By
thefe terms Covenant^ promife, grant^ or deed of
gift^ &c. we underftand that which is common to
all thefe , viz» [] A fign of Gods will conferring
or confirming a right to or in fome benefit J fach
^ we commonly call a Civil aU: of Collation as
diflinEt from a m>ere Phyfical all of difpofaL I
call it [ a fign of Gods will de jure ] becanfe
that is the general nature of all his legal moral
4ilts : they are all fignal determinations de debito,
vf fome dne* 2. i f^ conferring or confirming
right to fome benefit j to difference it from pre-
cepts which only determine what fhall be due from
us to God 5 and from threatnings , which deter-'
mine what panifhment fiiall be due from God to its,
"Mr.r,
. " Mr. T, If we prove by another grant
"or deed of gift Phyfical or Moral which is not
''a promife , or by any Law which is not fuch a
'' precept, he contradids not my fpeech, c^c.
Reply, Your words are \_J do not confefs thai
there Viuu any Law or Ordinance determining that
it Jlwnld he fo ( that Infants fjottld he members
of the Jewiflj Ch^irch ) hnt only a faci of God
which is atranfcHnt things and [ think, it were
a foolifh Hndcrtaliing to prove the Repeal of a
fa^, J Perufe his words Reader.
SECT. X1X,XX,XXI.
R. B. "TJ Aving thm explained the terrtts , /
.L JL prove the propofition. If Infant i
Church-memher^np with the prtvi ledges thereof
were a benefit conferred^ which fume had right to
or in, then was there fome grant ^ covenant , or
promife^ by which this right was conferred : But
the antecedent is mofi certain : Ergo j fo is the
confequent. I fi4ppofe you will not deny that it
was a bene ft to be the covenanted people of God,
to have the Lord engaj^ed to be their God ^ and
to take them for his people, to be brought fo near
him , and to be fcparated from the corr^mon and
unclean^ from the world, and from the ftrangeri
to the Covenant of promifes^ that live as without
God in the worldy and without hope.
If It were asked what benefit had the Circitm-
cifion / / fippofe yon wonld fay , 7nnch everj
way,
if
(33)
If Infant Church-member^jif were no bereft <>
then they that had it, were not ( when they cam^
to age or their Parents in the mean time ) obli-
ged to any thankfnlnefs for it. But they were
obliged to be thankful for it. Ergo, it was a be-
nt ft,
' Mr. T. Denyeth not the benefit •, but denyeih
*' [ that this is to be Vifible members formally
*' or connexively, for they may have all this be-
" nefit who are not vifible Church-members :
" <viz.» fome believing Saints that are dumb.
Reply, Mark Reader, what an iflue our Con-
trovcrfies with thefe men come to ? [ Men may
be the covenanted people of God, and have the
Lord engaged to be their God and to take themi
for his people, and be feparared from the com-
mon and unclean, from the world, from Grangers
to the Covenant, g^c. and ^et be no vifible
Church-members '} with them 1 Doth a dumb man
(ignifie his confenc to the Covenant by any figns
or not? If he do, that is vifible covenaniing. If
not, how is he one of thefe covenanting and fe-
parared people? And do you think that Mr. T.
.knew not that I talk to him of vifible covenant-
ing and feparation , and not only of a fccret un-
exprefled heart-confent : What will m/Kc i
Church-member then with fuch men ?
'' He next faith that [^ To be the circjmciiion is
*'not all one as to be vifible Church-members-,
'' Cornelipii and his houfe were vifible Church-
" members, yet not the circumcifion ]].
Reply, Reader, deft thou not marvail to find
•im fo plead for meagainft himfelf, or fpeak no-
P thiaT
(34)
thing to the cafe? To be circumcifed then^ or
haftiz^ed novp , is not all one as to be viftble
ChHrch-members : But fure all the Circumcifed
were, and ail the Baptized are, invefted in vifi-
ble memberfhip? Is it not fo? And if CorneUus
and more of the uncircumcifed alio were mem-
bers, you fee it was not infeparable from Cir-
cumcilion. And whom is this againft, me or him ?
''Headdeth [nor were the benefits, Rom.^.
" I, 2. ( the oracles of God, a-c.) conferred to
*^ them as vifible Church-members : For then all
^'vifible Church-members had been partakers of
" them ].
Reply. But it was to them as members of the
Jevvilh vifible Church: And if you plead for the
extent of the Church to others alfo, I thank you
for it.
When I fay [^ Infant Church-memberjljip wof
a benefit ~\ " He faith [ Vifible Church-member-
'' (hip fimply notes only a ftate, by which was
*'abeneiir. ]
Reply. Only^ u an exclulive term : Reader, by
this thou maift perceive the myftery of w^j^^Tg-
Church-members by a tranfennt faU , withont a
Law or prowife. It is no henept with thefe men,
but a ftatc by whtch \va.s a benefit. Either they
or I then know not at all what Church-member-
fhip is : And are not ail our Volumes wifely
written to trouble the world , about that Subje^
that we are not agreed )vhat it is , and about a
term which we agree noc of the fenfe of? I take
a ^vifible Church -member to be a vifible member
of Chriil as Head of the Church and of his
Church
C35)
Church as vifible? To be a rJMemher is to be'Ji
' fan : It is therefcre as the member of a Family,
School, Kingdom , a related pan ! And is it no
hef^efit in it /f// befides the confequents to be
.vifibly united and related to Chrift and his bo-
dy > to be relatively a member of the Houfhold
ot God ? Sure were it but for the exclufion ot
the miferie of the contrary ftate , and for the,
Honour of it, fuch a Relation to God the Father,
Son and Holy Ghoft , and the Church, is fome
little benefit ; ( and great to me. )
■' And whether he and Major Danvers and fuch
' others fhould make fuch a vehement ftir about it
as they do , if it be no benefit , let it be copfi-
dered.
SECT. XXIL
R. B. 'Tp H E next thing in the antecedent tp
JL be proved u\ that there was a right
conferred to this benefit ^ and fome had a right in
it. And I . If any had the benefit ^ then had they
right to or in that benefit : But fome had the be-^
Tiefity Ergo. The confequence of the major is cer-
tain. I. Becaufe the very natnre of the ve?jeft
confifteth in a right to further benefits, , 2. If
any had the benefit of Qntrch -member fi^iip^ Cove-
nant-interefly &:c, without right ; then they had
it with Cjods confent a;nd approbation or without
it» Not with it : for he ts jitfi:^ and confenteth
not that any have that which he hath not fome
•right to or in : Not without it : for no man ten.
have a benefit from God againfi his willy or mth^
vm it, z. If no Infants had dnly and rightful"
ly received this heneft , God vpould have fome*
where reprehended the nfnrpation and ahnfe of
his ordinances or benefits, Bm that he doth not
Oitoth'A cafe ^ Ergo. 3. God hath exprefftd this
right in many Texts of Script ftre^ of which more
afterward. •
'' Mr. T. The Infants of the Jews were vifi-
*' fible Church-members, not by a Legal right to
*^ ity antecede?it to their being fpichw ifibW Church-
*' members which they or any for them might
^' claim as due: Nor Was it capable of being du-
" ly and rightfully received or ufurped : For it
^' was nothing but a flate of appearing to be part
" of that people, who were in appearance from
" things fenfibie, Gods people; and this they had
" by Gods fad of making them to be a part of
''that people viilbly, viz.* his forming them and
^'bringing them into the world, and placing
" them,
Reply, More myftery ftill 1 i. Was there no an-';
tecedcnt Law or Covenant of God, giving a jm^
foctetatis a Right cf memberfhip to zAbrahams)
feed as foon as they had a being initially, and
commanding them to be devoted to God in Co-'^
venant, andi Circumcifed, that they by invefliture
might have a plenary Right ? Was there no fuch
thing ? O but [^ this gave them not a right to it
before they had it. ' \ Is the poor Church to be
thus abufed , and holy things thus played with ?
They could not be niembrs before they h::d a
being- nor could lay claim to it: But could not
Gods
j (57)
\ Gods Law , Grant or Inflrumental Covenant bo
made before they were born ? And could ic not
be the Jnftrument of conveying right to them as
foon as they were born ? that is, as foon as they
were fubjeds capable ? And is not the caufe in
order of nature , though not of time before the
i efPcd ? Cannot the Law of the Land be the fun-
damental caufe of the Right of Infants to Ho-
nours and Eftates, though till they are in being
they are not capable fubjeds > Is not the Adion
Ht agentis naturally antecedent to it as in fatieme ^
Is it only Gods tranfeunt faB of making them
men and thefe men., and placing them in England^
which maketh Infants to be members of the En-
glifh Nobility, or Gentry or Citizens or mem-
bers of this Kingdom ? No •, but it is the Laws
that do morally give the Jus dignitatis^ vel fo-
details^ though their adion be not terminattd in
any fubjed till it exift. For every man born in
England is not born a Lord, or Efquire, or Ci-
tizen, no nor a free fubjed, unlefs the Law fay
it fball be fo. If Foreigners or Rebels (bould have
children here, and tht Law were that they fhall
be Aliens, they would be no members of the
Kingdom. If Mr. T. or Mr. jO's children have
nothing but Generaticn^ and being hern in Eng-
land to fhew for their Inheritance , their Title
will not hold.
2. And might not right have been faldy plead-
ded or ufurped by a counterfeit Jew ?' Or the
children of fuch ? Or the children of Apoftates?
who yet w^xchoxvioi Abrahams feed, and in that
Land ? Whatfoever they were that Nchef?:iah ufed
D 3 (ever:-
feverely, I am fure v^ci^?^;?^ children, and the In-'
fants of the Cities that were to be confumed for
Idolatry, loft their right to life and Church-mem-
berfhip at once by their Parents fin ; And God
might if he had pleafed, have continued the Life
of Apoftates children , without continuing their
Church-right ^ Or Apoftates might (md no doubt
multitudes did ) efcape the juftice of the Law
through the fault of Magiftrates or people, and
yet have no true Legal Right to Church-member-
Ihip for themfelves or Infants ( born after ) : For
he that hath loft his right to life, hath loft his
right ( or may do ) to the priviledges and benefits
cf it.
^^ He addeth [^ yet I grant, they had a right
" m it, that is , that they had it by Gods dona-
"tion.J
Reply, And was it not a Moral Donation then,
if if gave Right > You will be forced thus to con*
fute your fcli-.
^^ Mr. T. It feems to me not true, that the na-
^' ture of the benefit of Infants vifible mertiber-
'^ fhip confiftech in a right to further benefits.
Reply. Yet he giveth hot a word to tell us why
Le ihinkeih fo. If we are at this pafs about Re-
latiops and Ri^ht in general, no marvail if In-
fant Baftifm go for Antichriftian ; Doth not
the RcLittve fiate of a Citiz^en^ or of the mem-
ber of any priviledged focicty, confift in his ftate
Oi Rjght to the Benefits^ Priviledges and Com-
wnnion of ihe Society , and an obligation to the
du.ies of a member, to the end. he may have the
benefits, and the Society the benefit of his mem-
' " berfiiip
(39)
berfhip and duty > A conjundion of Ri^h
( i^acioL ) and obligation ccnftituceth all fuch Re^
lations. But what fliall we be agreed in that are
ignorant and differ here ?
*'Next Mr. T. denieth the confequence, [^For
^* a man may have a benefit wichouc right. J
Re fly, I. And yet juO- now , ChHrch-merKber^
fljijf in Ifraei ppOi -a thtr^g that none could ufarfj
or have yvithotit right ? 2. Buc I faid [] no man
can have a benefit fyon> God againfl hii will or
without it : ] And rhtTcfore if God give fuch a
thing as Ghurch-mtaibtrfliip which confifteth in
A Right to further benefits , ht thac hath it by Gods
gift hath it rightfully : Natural effetis f as a prey
to a thief j may be faid to be given of God im-
properly, by Phyfical difpofal, rohim that hath no
right : But right it felt cannot be given to him
that hath no right ^ nor any thing elfe/ Relative
or Natural , by Gods Moral or Covenant dona^
tion.
^' He [^conceiveth it to' be very erroneous that
** vifible Church-memberfhip is given out of di-
<' ftributive Juftice •, for as Regeneration, fo alfo
*' vifible meraberfhip are of bounty by God as
*VSoveraign Lord, not of diftributive Jufthre by
*'God as Judge. 2. That all that any man hath of
"God he hath of debt, contrary to Ror^.^.^.
^'3. That vifible Church-memberfiiip is concei-
" ved as a thing offered, and tobeduly andright-
'•' fully received
Re fly. If Mr. T. and I (hall tire the Printer,
and waft Paper, and trouble the world, with tel-
ling them how many errors each of us hcld^ it will
D 4 t.c
be an unsavory task, and I doubt it would be ^
much fhorter work for one of us, ( which ever
it is) to enumerate the ufeful truths we hold.
What I hold , be it right or wrong , I will teU
^he Reader as to this matter. I hold that Gods
Kingdom is to be confidered in its Con flit ntioh
and Adminiflration : The firft hath, i . The effi-
cient, 2. The Conftitutive, 3. The final Caufes ;
And in the large fenfe it containeth, i . SnbjcBs on^
ly by obltgation^ ( fuch as Rebels are J 2. Snb-
^clis by cofifent ^ (ox voluntary), Th^ Efficient
caufe of the former is only Gods i. Making :
them men , and Redeemed men quoad '^rtcium^
2Xi^ commanding their fMbje5i:ion or confent. To
the effe^iing of the fecond is befides theie required
their A^aal Confent ( Parents confenting for their
Infants )j without which they are but Rebels, and
have no right to the benefits of the Society.
God being a King de jure before his Govern-
ment is Confented to^ maketh a Law to man to
command them to confent and be his voluntary fub-
je^s : To thofe that confent ( as the condition )
he promifeth the intcreft and bleffings of his Co-
venant, viz, Chrift and Lite ^ sndthreatneth the
privation of thofe benefits, and forer punifhmenc
CO refufing rebels : He is Lawgiver and will be
Judge of Non-con [enters -, called, Unbelievers and
refufers of Chrifl and Salvation; When men do
c.onfent they are under his further Adminiftring
Laws. The faid efficient caufes are Gods A(5l;i-
ons, i. As Omnipotent Owner, 2. As Bene-
fador, 3. <iy4s Sapiential Recior. i. According
to the firfl, he giveth us our B.cing and frefer-
veth
^eth it, 2nd in him we Live, and Move, and Are.
2. As our BenefaUor antecedent to his Admt^
mftration^ he gave the world a Redeemer abfo-
Intely^ and reprieved the world and us, and gi-
veth us all common Antecedent Mercies* 3. As the
Redor de jure of men not yet confenting^ he ma-
keth the Law of Grace abfolucely and antecedent-
ly to any condition ( of making it ) on our part.
This Law hath the frcccpwe fart^ commanding
confent f faith and repentance j. 2. Tht Donative
or fromtf]ory part, giving us Chrifl in Relation ,
and right to his prefent benefits , if we co77fent ;
which is the condition. 3 .And the penalty aforefaid.
The Admimfiration of the Kingdom de jure^ is
the efficient of the confent ing Kingdom-.Thc Admi-
niftration (or Actual Government^ of the Con-
fenting Kingdom , is by Legiflation , Judgement
and Execution, And the Legiflation is , i. For
the conflitution of the particular members that:
ftall from time to time be added : 2, And the
Governing of them all.
Now if God have made a Law that men fhall
I e received members of Chrift.and his ChurcL' if
they confent ( or Repent and Believe j and former-
ly to the Jfraelites , if they be Confenters ( or
their feed, who confent by them ) then it is an
ad oi difiribtitive jufiice of God as Judge ^ to
givctliefe benefits to Confenters: And ro contra-
diflinguiili an aU of bounty unlefs he fay [^ meer
bounty 2 is intolerable. For God governeth us
Paternally^ as a Kegent-bcnefatior : He never gave
reward to a Creature, Man or Angel, which was
not a Gift as to ihe value of the things and a Re-
ward
ward only as to the or do confer endi c^ ratio reZ
cipendi : It is madnefs to think that we can raej
ric from God commutatively. And it's little
better to thinks that bounty and diftributive jnfiice
may not confift -^ yea that there can be any right
i^tioad ordinem diftrihuendi from that juftice,
which is not qnoad rem donatam from boHnty,
It is fad therefore that the world mufl fee, that
looking all how to make good an efpoufed caufe,
fhould tempt fo Ancient and Learned a Divine
to fubvert the Gofpel and all Ghriftianity : For
what doch he lefs ? If he talk only of members
by obligation y every living man is a member : This
he meanech not. If he talk only of Consenting
^voluntary Members , to fay that God command-^
eth none to be fuch^ is to fay that he command"
eth none to be Chriftians^ to Repent, Believe or
Confent : To fay that he hath made no fromife or
Donative Act in the Law of Grace, that if yon
confent (repent and believe ) yon fmll have uni-
on vpith C^rifl and his Church ( or be members )
is to deny the very fumm of ail the Gofpel,
and Baptifm it felf. To fay that God doth not
as Judge execute his ovf^n Law and fromife , gi-
ving*t\i\s anion to Confent ers^ and denying it ta
Refufers^ is to fay that he will not as a judge ab-
folve Believers or condemn Vnbelievers. O Rea-
der , hate fadion and partial difpuces that can
make men overthrow all Chriflianity, not know-
ing what they do.
2. And his denying that vifible Chitrch'Tnem-
bcrfiif is a thing offered , and rightly ro be ac-
cepted^ is the fame, even to deny that Chrift in-
V It eth
(A3)
ijiteth any Infidel to become a Chriftian, or ever
called or commanded Heathens to believe : or fehc
his Minifters to compel them to come in, that his
houfe may be filled.
But his flander that I fay all that man hath
from God is of debt, is forged groundlefly. I fay
God giveth fome benefits antecedently and abfo-
lately^ and fome confequently on condition , by a
Law : And none of them all are of debt as a
workman deferveth his vpa^es with commutative
jufiice.
It is his grofs error that vifible Church-mem-
berfhip of Infants among the Jews was not a thing
offered on condition of Parents faith , and to be
accented or refnfed •, bnt a fiate refnlting from
Gods fdSl. He feigneth a Church to be formal-
ly ^litd Thyficum fure 1 He that would not con-
fent CO the Covenant was by Jfa to be put to
death : And was not Circumcifion a covenanting ad?
And did they not thereby profefs to take God
for their God ? or would God elfe have taken
them for his people? And would not renouncing
God have cut them off? And would xh^r feed
then have had any right for being theirs f Indeed
it is difputable how iar fome Jnceflors^ or other
Proprietors might be a medium of right to fuch
Apoftates feed : but as theirs^ there is no difpute,^
SECT.
SECT. XX in.
R. B. T Am next to prove the confecjuence^ that
Jl {_this right wa6 conferred by fame grant y
promise , or Covenant of God. 3 And this is as
eajie as to -prove that the world ypas made by Gods
power and efficiency or Will ^ or to prove that God is
the owner of all things^ and no man can receive
them but by his gift, i . If there he no other
way pojfible for right to be conveyed from God to
i^iSy bat only by his grant, promife, or Covenant,
( which we call donation , and is a moral civil
aBion J ) then it is by this means that it is con^
veyed, Bnt there is no other pojfible way of fuch
conveyance : Ergo, we have no right till God give
iU right. His will fignifed createth our right.
No man can have right to that which is wholly
and abfolmely anothers^ but by his confent or wilL
This will is no way known, but by feme figns of
it. Thefe figns of fuch a will for conveyance of
right to a benefit^ are a civil moral aEiion, called
a donation or gift fimply. If the fign be in wri-
ting, we commonly call it a deed of gift. If it
be by word of mouth, conferring a prefent right ,
%ve call It a verbal grant or gift. If it confer
only a fiitnre right, we call it a promife , and
fometimes a Covenant-^ and fometimes the word
Covenant figmfieth both , that a^ which gives a
prefent right^ and promifeth a continuance of it^
Right being a rr;-oral or civil thing , can be no
way conveytd bat by a mcral or civil allion. A
( 45 )
gift that was never given^ ii a contradiU:iofj, So
that this fart of our controverfie is oi eafic as
whether two and two he four,
*^Mr. 7^. Vifible Church-memberfhip is not a
" Right , but a flate of Being ; as to be flrong,
" healthy, rich , c^c. which are not given by a
^' civil moral adion , but by Providence of God
**ading Phyficaliy as the Soveraign dirpofcr of
" all. I deny therefore that there is fuch
"a promife
Re^ly, Reader , it is not long of me that this
Learned Ancient Divine knoweth not what a
Church-member is, or elfe what is the difference
between Erfiicks, or Politicks, and Phyficks, But
it is our (hame that a Preacher in England fhould
be found fo ignorant. God as the Fountain of
nature y and Omnipotent Lord of all, is indeed the
firft Caufe of Being and Aiotion as fuch : As a
free BcnefaEior he is the firft Caufe of all our
Good as f/ich -^ And as a Sapiential Redor, and
Ecnefathr conjundly (that is, by Paternal go-
vernment ) he is the firft caufe of Right,
Being and Motion are the eifeds of Phyfical
efficiency : Jus vel Dchitiim is the very formal
ejfeEl or obje^ ot ' toral Efficiency by a Redor,
and the formal objed of Ethicks. To be a Qjnrch^
member , is to have a flated Relation , confin-
ing in Right to the Benefits and cbligatton to
the duty , as was faid before. He denieth this to
be any Right, and to have any fuch Civil-moral
caufe as Right hath, but to be cjiiid Thyftcnm as
Healthy firength^ Riches ^ and an anfwerable Phy-
fical caufe. Let the (hame of this ignorance re-
form
(46)
form the common error of Schools that teach nbt
their children betimes the principles of Ethicks I
Politicks , or Governing Order t It is a fhamc
that at 1 6. years old any fhould be fo ignorant
as thefe words import. I muft fpeak it, or I com-
ply with the powers of darknefs, that fo fhame-
fully oppofe the truth.
5ECT. XXIV.XXV.
R, B, 2. /"^ O D hath exfrejly called that aU d
Vjr Covenant or fromife by vphich he
conveyeth this right : which we fimll more fully
mamfefl anon when we come to tt.
The fecond Fr of option to he f roved , is , that
[I there was a Law or Precept of God obliging the
Parents to enter their children into Covenant and
Church'memberjhipy by accepting of his offer, and
re-engaging them to God. 3 And this is as obvi-
QHS and eajie as the former. But firfl I pall in
a word here alfo explain the terms. The word
r Law ~\ is fometimes taken more largely ^ and un-
ptly, /w comprehending the very immanent aB's oir
the nature of Gody confidered without any fign to
reprefent it to the creature. So many call Gods na--
ture or purpofes the Eternal Law : which indeed
is no law J nor can be fitly fo called. 2. It is ta-
ken properly for [_ an authoritative determination
de debito conftituendo vel confirraando. ] And [o
it comprehendeth all that may fitly he called (L
law. Some define it, [_ JufTum majeftatis obligans
aut ad obedientiam aut ad poenam.J But this leaves
cm
r47)
ottt the fremiant fart^ and fome others: So that of
Grotius dothy Eft regula adionum moralium ob-
ligans ad id quod redum eft. / acejuiefce in the
f^fii ^^ rather in this^ which is more full and ex-
aih '^\_A law is a fign of the Re^ors will confii-
tHting or confirmtng right or dnenef. J That it
be a flgn of the Rdiors will de debito conftituen-
do vel confirmando , is the general nature of all
laws. Some quarrel at the word {_figrt \ becaufe
it is logical and not political : As tf Politicians
jlwnld not fpeak^ logically as well as other men !
There is a twofold due : 1. What is due from us
to God ( or any Re^or ; ) and this is fgntfed in
the precept and prohibition^ ( or in the precept de
agendo & non agendo.) 2. What jloall be due
to m '^ and this is fignifedby promifes^ or the pre^
miant part of the laWy and by laws for difiribu-
tion and determination of proprieties, ayill bene-
fits are given us by Cod in a double relation^ both
as ReEior and Benefa^or : or as Benefador Re-
gens •, or as Redor benefaciens : though among
men that flan d not tn fuch a fubordmation to one
another as we do to God^ they may be received.
from a meer benefaSior without any regent inte*
reft therein. The firfi laws do ever confiitute the
debitum or right : afterward there may be renew-
ed laws and precepts to urge r/ientoobey the for-
mer 5 or to do the fame thing : and the end of
thcfe is either fullier to acquaint the fubjeEi with
the former, or to revive the memory of them , or
to excite to the obedience of them : Andthefe do not
properly conflitute dnty^ becaufe it was conflitu-
ted before -, but the nature and power of the a^
is
('48)
is the fame with that which doth conflitute it^ and
therefore doth corjfirm the conftitmioHj and again
oblige m to what we were obliged to before, for
obligations to one and the fame dnty may be mnU
tithed, 3 . Some take the word [^ law 3 i^ fi r^-
ftrained a fence as to exclude verbal or particu^
Ur precepts , efpecially direUed bnt to one •, or a
few men ^ and will only call that a law which is
written^ or at leaf: a well known cnflom obliging
a whole fociety in a flated way. Thefe be the^
mofi eminent fort of laws : but to fay that the reft
are no laws^ is vain and groandlef ^ again f the
true general definition of a LaWy and juflly rejeti-
ed by the wtfeft Politicians, That which we are
now to enquire after ^ is a precept^ ox the command-
ing part of a laWy which is ^ afign of Gods will
obliging us to duty^ ] of which Jig?ts there are ma-
terially feveral forts^ as I. byavoice^ that's evi-
dently of God : 2, by writing : 7,, by vifible works
or effects : 4. by fecret impreffes^ as by inf^irati-
oHj which is a law only to him that hath them*
^'Mr.T*. I alT^^rtj i. There is no^fuch offer,
*' promife or Covenant : 2. That though there are
'' precepts for Parents to pray for their Children,
"to breed thenri up yet they are not bound
'^ to. believe thi^, that upon their own faith God
"will take their Infant Children to be his, and
*' will be a God to theoi , nor to accept of this
" pretended offer. 3. That though Parents may
"enter into Covcnanr for their Children
" as Dent, 29. 12. they do not by this make them
*' partakers of the Covenant or promife that God
*' will be their God,
Keply:
f4P)
Re^ly. What a deal of the Gofpel and the
Churches mercy s do thefe men deny ? i , The very
nature of our own Holy Covenant is, that in ic we
give up to God our [elves and all that is oars accord-
ing to the capacity of that all. And as our Riches
are devoted hereby as capable utenfils ^ fo our In-
fants as capable ot Infant Relation , Obligation
and Right, What is it that a fan^ified man muft
not devote to God [hat is His f If you except Li-
berty, Health, Life, you are hypocrites : And can ^
you except C/7/7^rf 77 f It's true; this is but fo/«r
^s they are our own, and we fay no more i when
they have a will to choofe for themfelves , they
muft do it. 2.1 have fully proved Scripture com-
mands for Parents to offer their Children to God,
and that fignitieth his will to accept what he com-
mandeth them to ofter. And his promifes to (hew
mercy to them as theirs are plain and many, which
I muft not tire the Reader with repeating.
Mr. T. addeth, That if there were fuch afro-
mife and duty of accepting the pretended offer and
y^'f^g^gi^g -) y^f ^^is mither did then nor doth
now make Infants vifible Church-members,
Reply, /deader, are not the Anabaprifts ducftile
mea where they like, as well as intradable where
they diflike, that they will follow fuch a Leader
as this > Promife and Duty o^ accepti?:g and re-en-
gaging aggravateth the fin of Rebels that rejed:
it ^ but if thefe performed, even vifihle mutual co-
vcNantingy make not (^hurch-members vifible j what
doth ? You fee what he hath brought the ancienr
1 j and later Church-memberfhip , Circumcifion and
i Baptifm to? I think to nothing: As tormalPon-
E* ^ tificiao:
t'fician Church-tyrants when they have mortified
fome ordinance , and turned it into an Image ,
make an engine of it to trouble the Church, and
filence the Preachers and ferious pradifers of the
Gofpelwith. Thcfe men make nothing of Church-
memberfliip, and thenreftlefly trouble the Church-
about it.
S E C T. X X V L
^»^' T "TAvwg thtu ofened the terms [_ LaW-
.IX and Precept '] J f rove the Propo/iti^.
on thtis, I. If it was the dnty of the Ifraelites
to accept Cods offered mercy for their Children ,
to engage and devote them to him in Covenant ,
then there vpas a Law or Precept which made this
their duty, and obliged them to it. But it wa4 a
dnty : Ergo, there was fuch a Law or Precepts
. For the antecedent^ i. If it were not a ditty y then tt
T^as either a fln^or a neutral indifferent aliion : But
it was not a fin^ (fir, i. It was againft no Law^
2, It is not reprehended ^ ) nor was it indifferent y
for it was of a moral nature^ and ergo, either good
or evil J yea fin or duty : Vor property perjnictere
is no ail of LaWy ( though many fay it is^ ) but
a fujpenfion of an a^ : and fo licitum is not mo-
raliter bonum, but only non malum ; and ergo is
not properly within the verge of morality, 2. If
there be a penalty (and a mo ft terrible penalty )
annexed for the non-performance y then it was a
duty : But fuch a penalty was annexed ( as fJjall
nnon be particularly fiiewed) even to be cut off from
hii
(51)
his people y t9 he put to death ^ S:c* If it Mige ad
boenain, tt did firft oblige ad obedientiam : For no
Law obligeth ad poenam , bnt for dtfobedience^
which prefuppofeth an obligatio'a to obedience o
3. // It "Were not the ifraelites dmy to enter their
Children i>ito Gods Covenant and Qnurch^ then it
would have been none of their fin to have omitted
or refhfedfo to do : But it would have been their
gre^t and hamom fin to have omitted or refufed
It •, Ergo. Now to the confequence of the majoro
There u no duty but what is made by fome Law or
Precept as its proper efficient canfe or foundation :
I E^gOj '/ *^ ^^ ^ ^'^^y •> ^^^^^^ ^'*^^ certainly fome
I Law or Precept that made itfnch. (i^imong men we
\fay^ that a benefit obligeth to gratitude , though
there were no Law i But the meaning is ^ if there
were no humane law^ and that w becaufe the Law
of God in nature requireth man to be jufi and
thankful. If there were no law of God natural
or- pofitive that did confiitute it or oblige m to it^
;here could be no duty, n There is no duty but
\^hat is made fuch by Gods figni fie d will ^ ^rgo,
; \no duty but what is made fuch by a Law or Pre-
\ :ept. For a Precept is the fign of Gods will oh"
' 'tging to duty. 2. Where there u no Law there ts
[10 tranfgrefjion^ Rom. 4. 1 5. ergo, where there
^.\s no law there is no duty •, for thefe are contra"
^\-ies : tt IS a duty not to tranfgrefi the Law, and d
\ Tanfgrejfion not to perform the duty which it re-
r <utreth of hs. There is no apparent ground ofex-
•j eption^ but in cafe of Covenant Si> Whether a man
■ nay not oblige himfelf to a duty meerly by his con-
' -ntf I ftnfwer^ i.Hem^y oblige hmfelf to ark
E 3 ^^i
C52)
^iy which he n:nfl ferform^ or elfe frove unfaith*
Jul and dtjhonej} : but hi^s own obligation mak^s it
not flri^ly a duty : ergo, when God makes a Co-
venant with man^ he u as tt were obliged in point
of fidelity y but not of dnty. 2. He that obltgeth
' himfelf to an ati by fromife^ dotkoccafion an ob-
ligation to dtity from God^ becapife God hath oblt^
ged men to keep their promfes. 3 . So far as a
rr.an may befaid to be his own Ruler, fo far may he
be [aid to oblige himfelf to duty , ( that is duty to
himfelf^ though the alb be for the benefit of ano*
ther ^ ) hut then he may as fitly be faid to make a
Law to himfelf^ or command himfelf : fo that fttll
the duty (fuch as it is ) hath an anfwerable com-
mand. So that I m^ay well conclude^ that there is
a laWy hecaufe there is a duty^ For nothing but a
law coutd caufe that duty^ nor make that omiffion
of it a fin. Where there is no law ^' fin is not im-*
futedj Rom. 5. 13. But the omiffion of entring
Infants into Covenant with Go^ before Chrifts in-
carnation would have been a fin imputed •, ergo ,
there was a law commanding it. 2, If it was a
duty to dedicate Infants to God^ or enter them in-»
to Covenant with him^ then either by Gods will, or
without it : certainly not without it. If by Gods
willy then either by his will revealed, or unrcveal-
ed. His unrevealed will cannot oblige -^ for there
wants promulgation^ which ts necejfary to obliga-
tion : And no man can be bound to know Gods un-
revealed willy unlefi remotely , 04 it may be long
cf himfelf that it is not to him revealed* If it be
Gods revealed will that mufl thm obligey then there
%iis fome fign by which it was revealed* jind
ij
C53)
if there were a fign revealing Cods will obliging
US to duty^ then there \va4 a law , for thi-s is the
'Very nature of the preceptive part of a law ,
( which is the principal part^ ) Jo that you may a^
well fay^ that yon are a reajonable creature^ but
not a man^ as jay that men were obliged to duty by
Gods revealed wtlly but yet not by a Law or Pre-
cept. 3. We jl J a II anon produce the Law or Tre-
cepty and put it out of doubt that there was fuch
a thing. In the mean time I mufi confef^ I do
not remember that ever J was put to dijpute a point
that carrieth more of its own evidence to jhame
the gain-faycr* And if you can gather Difciples
even among the godly , by perfwading them that
there were duties without Precepts or LdWSy and
benefits without donations , covenants or promife
confirming them* , then defpair of nothing for the
time to come: Tou may perfwade them that there
PS a Son without a Father ^ or any relation with-
out its foundation^ or effctl without its caufe^ and
never doubt but the fame men will believe you ,
while you have the fame inter efi in them , and
' ufe the fame artifice w putting eff your con-
ceits,
Mr. 7*. would firft perfwade the Reader that I mean
EOthing but CircunicifioPj
Reply. Long ago I told you that, i. The Fe-
males were not circumcifed, 2. Nor the Males for
forty years in the wildernefs : And yet were all
Church -menfibers by being Gods Covenanted peo-
ple. And fo was Ifraelhdoxt Circumcifion.
His terms of \_ the htffing of a Goofe^ and the
' fnarling of a Cnr ] and other fuch , I account
E 3 lighter
fighter
ti'uth.
than
the
(54)
leaft of his
injuries
to
the
SECT. XXVIL
R. B. np HE fifth Qjteftion requireth me to lay
J., down this ajfcrtion , that [^ there is no
Law or Precept of God which doth not oUige to
duty ^ arid no aciual promife or donation , which
doth not confer the benefit* ] This I aver on oc-
cafion of your lafl Letter^ where in contradtciion
to the former^ yon confef \_ the promife s to the na-
tural ^o?ttm^' o{ Abraham y Gen. ij, and the
Covenants made with Jfrael at Mount Sinai^ and
Dem, 29. and a precept of Circumcifion , and
precepts of God by <*Jf'fofes, of calling the people,
and requiring ihcm to enter into Covenant, Exod.
19. Dent. 29. ] Tet yon [ do not conceive that the
Infants of Ifrael were made vifible Church-mem-
bers by the promifesin the Covenants, or the pre-
cepts tbrenamed. 3 ^ffij then either you ima-
gine that among all thofe precepts and promifes
there was yet no promife or Covenant that gave
them the benefit of ^hurch-membcrjhip^ or precept
concerning their entrance into that ftate •, or elfe
you imagine that fuch promifes were made^ but did
72ot actually confer the benefit ^ and fuch precepts
were made , but did not atlually oblige^ Tour
•words are fo ambiguom in this^ that they fignife
Toothing of your mind to any that knows it not fame,
father way^ Eor when you. fay £ there is no fuch
papicular promife concerning Infants vifible '
' ' ■ ' - Church^
05)
Chorch-memberfliip , or precept , err. befide?
Circumcifion, as in my Book of Baptifm I afTerr, J
nho knows whether that exception of [_ Circura-
.ciiion ^ be a conccffio?2 of fnch a precept or pro-
mife in the cafe of (^\rcnmcifion?or if not^what fenfs
it hath f and what yon imagine that precept or
proTKtfe to be which I ajfert /* and before the fenfs
of your one fy liable [///c/jI is aifcernedbytryi7Jg
jt by a whole 'vobtry.e^ 1 d?nbt you will make what
you lift of it. Howezier if ycttjlwitld mtan^ that
fiich precepts there are a^s have for their fubjetl
|_ the avouching Cod to be their Gody the entring
into Covenant Circumcifion ^ of Infants^ but not
their Church-n^emberjlnp -^ then, I. I have proved
the contrary to the negative before-^ 2. z^^nd
more f)all do anon •, 3. u4nd it's a palpable con-
tradiiiion to the precedent affrmative. But tf
you mian that Church-memberjhip of Infants as
well as others is the fubje^ or part of the fubjech
of thofe premifes or precepts , and yet that Jn^
ftnts were not wade or confirmed thereby ; it is
the contrary that J am afflrting , and I have no
further need to prove ^ than by jljewing the con-
tradi5iion of your opinion to it felf, For an aBu-
al Covenant or promife that doth not give right
to the benefit promifed ( according to its tenor
and terms , ) is like a caufe that hath no ejfeth ,
a Father that did never generate ^ and it is all
one as to fay y a gift or Covenant which is no gift
or Covenant , feeing the name is denied ^ when ^
the thing named and defined is granted. So a
Precept or Law to enter Infants folemnly into
C bHrch-mcmber^np , Vfhich yet obligeth nonefo to
E 4 enter
(56)
ffiter them^ is ^ gro^ a, ccntradiUion a^ to fay^
the Smhath not heat or Ifojjt^ and yet is truly ok
Snn,
Mr. r. here confeiTeth , 2. That thiC Jews were Gods
vif]ble_ Churcii not barely by Gods promife to them to
be their God, but by th?ir fromife to Cai : Gods rail oj
them made thein his Church, and their promifi to God wiih
other ad:s made them viiibiy \o
Reply. Reader, is not all here qnTaid again by
this conceffion? llnlefs he will fay that this C^//,
A7id Covenant^ and Fron?ife made them all a vifible
Churchy and yet none of thefe^ but their birth and
flace made them rfiembers f As if any thing made
the Whole Church wiiich rnade none of the Farts
as fifch.
SECT. XXVIII.
R. B. T Co?}7c next to the fixth ^^ejlion,. Whether
X indeed there be any tranfeunt /^^, which
without the caufation of any fromife or frecept ^
did make the Ifraelites Infants Church-members,^
This yoii affirm (if^ycii vrould be nnderftood -^ )
Vphether this your ground of Infants Church-mew-
herjloip or mine be righter^ I hope will be no hard
matter for another man ( of common capacity) to
difcerno By a \^ tranfeunt faEl ] thm fet as con-
tradiflinU to a law, preceft or promife y either yon
mean the aEi of legiflation and promife makings or
fome other meerly phyfical a^o If the former, it
is too ridiculom to be ufed in a feriom buftnef :
Vor yoH jhould not put things in competition eX"
eluding the one^ where they both mufi nee effarily
concur ,
foncur, the Qne fla?iding in a [Hhordmation to the
other, VV^u there ever a Law or Cove nam made
in the world any other way than by a tranftunt
fad: f Sure all legislation ts by fome figmficatioff
of the Soveyaigns will. And the making of that
fign is a tra?iftnnt faB, If it be by voice ^ ts
nat that tranfcunt ? If by writings ts not the ath
tranfemit f // by creation it fdf^ the aU is tran^
fennt though the ejfctl be permanent. And cer^
tamly if iegi flatten or fromtfing be your tranfc^
unt facl^ yuii do very abfitrdly put it tnoppnfition
to a law (or promtje ) it being the making of fuch
a law. And the legiflation doth no way obhge
the fubjellj hat by the law fo made : nor doth the
rnakmg of a promife^ grant or covenant , confer
right to the benefit which is the fiibjed of it , any
otherwife than 06 it is the making ^f that grant
which jhall fo confer it. As the making of a kiiife
doth not cut, but the k^iife 7nade : and fo cf other
inftrH?nents, Sd that tf the law oblige not , or
the gra7it conjer not , certatydy the legiflation or
pror/iife-7r,akj.ng cannot do tt, I cannot therefore
imagine that this isycur fenfe^ without charging
yoH with too great abfurdity. As if you fliould
fay^ It is not the will of the tcftator^ i, e. his te-
ftament^ that entitleth the legatary to the legacy ,
hut it is the tr an fount faB of the teflatcr tn ma^
king that will- or it ts not the Soveratgns commif-
fwn that aiithoriz^eth a Jtidge^ fohldtery &c, hut it
is the tranfeiint fall of writing or making that
commiffwn. It is not the flgn that fignifieth , but
the tranfeunt fact of making that flgn. Were not
this a contempt tbic arguing f To charge yon with
this,
(58)
$hiSy were to ir.ahe yen tantum non Hnreafotiahh.
And yet I k^cw not what to fay to yon ^ that is^
hovp to under fiand yoH, For if you mean a, meer
fhyjical tranfennt faEb^ which is no fuch legijlati-*
en or frcmife'Wakjng^ then it is far nr.ore ahfurd
than the former. For jf it be not afign of Gods
vpik obliging to dmy^ or conferring benefit y then
can It not fo oblige to duty \ nor confer benefits.
It is no or her tranfenyit fizli but Icgiflation that
can oblige a fuhjcch to diuy^ nor any other tran-^
feunt fa^i but fromtfe , or other donation , that
can convey right to a benefit ^ or oblige the fromi^
fer. A moral or civil ejfed: muji be "produced by
a moral or civil aEiion , and not by a meer fhy^
fical aBilon ^ which is unfit to produce fuch an ali^
en effe^y and can go no higher than its own kind.
What fen fe therefore I fiiould put on your words j
Without making them appear unreafonable , even
much below the rates of ordinary rational peoples
difcourjey I cannot tell. For to fay^ it is not a
law but legtfiationj ts all one oi to fay^ it is not
the fundamenrum , but the laying of that founda^
tion that caufetk the relation , or from which it
doth refuh. And to fay it is an alien phyfital
aci^ which hath no fnch thing as right for its
fubjeEi or terminuis , is to confound phyfickj and
morals , and to fpeak the groffefl abfurdities -, as to
fay that the tranfeunt fad of eatings drinking ,
goingy buildings &c. do adopt fuch an one to he
your heir, I mufi: needs thinks therefore^ till you
have hetttr cleared your felf that you have here
^uit your felf as ill , and forfaken and deliver--
id up your Caufe^ as palpably as ever I k^ew man^
doy
do^ VpithoHt an exprefi con fefjlon that it is naught.
When men muft he tait^ht by thts ohtufe fitbttlty
to prove that I?ifa??ts (loHrch-wemherJljip needed
no revocation^ forfcoth \_ becaufe their Chnrch-
memberfljip xcm not canfed by a law, precept^ pro-
wife or covenant^ but by a tranfettnt fa^h J tha^
rvhich asyoH leave it^ the world hath fcarce heard s
wore incoherent dreair, "But I pray yen remtm-
her in your reply that yon being the aff.rmer of
thisy mufl prove it. Which I fljall expcEl ^ rvhen
yoH can prove. th.it yon can generate a man by (hit ^
tng or blowing your ncfe, or by plowing and Jow-
ing can produce Kings and Err-perors,
Mr. T. Here Mr. T. is at the old rranfeunt faft
again : Let the Reader make his beftof it: I ac-
count it not worth the reciting ; nor his title of
Canine Sceptical Rhetorick^rcgardibk,
SECT. XXIX, to XXXIX-
R, B. T iV conftderation of the feventh Quefiiony
X / fljall confider the nature and cjfe^ of
the tranfeunt fa^ which you here defer ibe. And
firft of the reafon of that narKe, Ton [ay that yon
call tt [^ tranfennt ] [^ becanfe done in time and
fo not eternal^ and pafi and fo not in congrnous
fenfe repe ale able at a law, ordinance^ flatnte^ de^
cree which determines fnch a thing fhail be for
the future. ] An<i do yon thinks this the common
fenfe of the word ? or a ft reafon of your appli-*
Ration of it to the thing in hand ^
J think^
(60)
7 thlnh^yopir i?Jtelkchion and volition are imma"
fient at}s, and yet not eternal.
We -nfe to contradiftingnip] tranfcunt a5is from
imminent, and that because they do tranfirein fub-
jeAum extrancum.
But it feems you take them here as difiinii front'
-permanent.
But life your fenfe as long as we underfiandit.
If it be only \_'^a(}^ atiions vphtch yoit call
\_ tranfeunt ] it feems your long fad which was
fo many hundred years in dohig -y was no tranfe-^
unt faU till the end of all thofe years ; and fo did,
not ( by your own doSirine ) make any Church-
members till the end of thofe years,
Buty Siry the jQjicflion is not-, whether it were a
tranfeunt faEi that laid the foundation by legiflati-
on or promife-makjng • but whether the effect were
tranfeunt yor the aEl as it is in patiente : Whether the
law were tranfeunt which wa^ made by a tranfeunt
faEi ? and whether the moral action of that law were
■permanent or tranfennt^it being r^ofi certainly fuch
a moral all that mufl produce a title , or confli-
tnte a duty, Gods writing the ten (fommande^
ments in ftone was a faoi foon pafi^ but the law \
was not foon paft, nor the moral aU of that laWy
viz. obligation. There are verbal laws, that have
no real permanent fgn : and yet the law may be
permanent, and the obligation permanent^ becaufs
the fign may have a permanency in efle cognito ,
and fo the fignifying vertue may remain by the
help of memory^ though the word did vanijh in the
^eakjng.
(61)
when yoH come to point out this tra?j[eHnt faB
individiuilly^ yon Jay [ it is Gods takjn^ the -whole
people of the jews for his people y ] yyhich yon term
\_fii^ I 06 conceiving it moft comprchenfive of the
many particular ails m many generations whereby
he did accomplijhit/} i, Idtd not well nnderfiand
before that [^ a faEi ] did fo vafily differ from
an [ A^y ] as to contain the aEls ( rather than the
fa^s ) of many generations*
This is a long fa^i according to your meafure^
even from Abrahams call out of Ur ; but how long
it feems you are not well agreed with your ft If.
I- or in the firfi part of your Letter you enumerate
to the other alls that compofe this fati \_ the
bringing them into the bond of the (fovenant at
^iount Sinai , giving ther/i laws , jetling their
Prteflhoody Tabernacle^ Army ^ Government^ Inhe-
ritance : ] But before you end , you change your
mind ^ and (ay [" the Church ^men:berflnp of the
Ifraelitcs beg-an at 1 conceive with Abrahams c^//,
and was compleated when they were brought out of
itgypt to Cody Exod. 19. 4. 1] But fur e that was
long before the fetling their inheritance. Tour
fatl according to your lafl account w^u> about ^ij^
years in doing ; but according to your firfi opinio
on^ it wa.s about 470. years long.
If it were one individual faB of about 470.
years bng that made Infants Church-members ,
then they could not be Church-men': bers till that
fatl was pafij For the cffech is not before the caufe^
or caufality of the efficient -, the relation cannot
he before the fundamentum ^^ laid: and it feems
this long faU w^ the laying of the fundamentum ;
But
But the confequent is ccrtai7ily falfe ^ for Infants
were Church-member; s before the end or compleating
of your long faoi : For they were Church-members
( youl grant ) when Ifhmael and l(^^c were cir-
cumcifed. Ergo , it was not this long fa§ that
made them Chnrch-members,
If yvH mean that it was not the whole ^ hm fome
fart of this long faU: that aCiually m,ade Infants
Church-members , then yon would ha'Ve afflgned
that fart ^ when that was the thing defiredy and
which you pretended exatlly to perform ; or at^
leafi you would nn have told us it comprehended
all the fe aEis,
And if each particular aB: did make Infants
Church- member Sy or lay a fujfcient ground of ity
then itfeems that it was done before the inftitution
cfCtrcumcifion, For Cods calling Abraham out of
Ur was before it. So that the Children born its
his houfe muft be Church-r/iembers upon that ; and
a fufficient ground laid for his own to have been
fuchy if he had then had a natural ijfue : And it
feems then that Ifhmael was born a Church-mcm-
her many years before Circumcijion*
If this be your medning^ I pray you be fo jufi
and impartial as to accept of the proof which Ijhall
give you of Infants Church-member jhip before
Abrahams days , if I make it appear to be as
ftrong as this call of Abraham from Ur.
If you Jhould mean that fome one of thefe com-'*
prehended atis Jhould of it felf make any Infants
Church-member Sy then it muft beany one *^ for you
no more ajfign it to one of them than to another ^
( only fay f chiefly th$ bringing them from JE"
gyptQ
gypt : 1 But fnrely fome of thefe aEls particularly
cannot do it^ as the leading to Padan Aram, the re-
moval to Canaan, to itgypc, placing^ prefervtng
there J fet ling their Arn>) ^ d^c. Did any one of
thcfe n^ake Infants to become Chmch-mtn.bers ?
Nay , fuppofe yon wean that all theje ad:s mnfi
concur to make them memhers^(andfo that they were
no members till many hundred years after the in-
flitntion cfCtrcumctfon^ ) yet could not your Dy-
Urine hold good : For fome of thefe aEls are of an
alien nature , and no more apt to caufe infant
Church-memberjJjip^ than a Bull to generate a Bird.
What aptitude hath the fetUng of an Army to be
any part of the caufaticn of Infants Church-mem-
berfinp? None^ I think^-^ at leafl tf it be fuch an
tArmy as ours : for furely the fetling of ourscau^
fed no fuch things as. yon vrellkliow. What apti-
tude hath the leading to Padan Aram, or removal
to jEgypt, to make Infants Church-mem.bers ?
Nay ^ hovp firange is it , that the removing
I of Church-mem>bcrs , and fuch as had been In-
fant Church^members-y as lllimael, Keturahs chil-
dren^ Efau J muf; caufe Infant Church-member-
Jhip ? Sure it was no caufe of their own, Ketu-
rahs children were Church-members in infancy :
1 encjuire of you by what act they were made fuch ?
Tou fay [^ by GodsfaEi of taki^ig the whole people of
the Jews for his people^ whereof the aEl of rem>oving
Keturahs children was a part, Kery good. It
feems then that removing from the Congregation
of Ifrael a people of the Jews, is a taking of the
removed to be of that people: 6r elfe it is not on-
ly the takjvg that people ^ hit alfo the removal
• . from
C64)
from that people that wakcth Church'Tnemhers ^
tven the rtmoi>€il as rvill a4 the tal:j'n^ boih vohich
¥ire alike abfurdk
And I pray ycH tell me yet a little better^ how
an ath can make a man a Qj^.rch-member that was
one long before that was done /' Ton cannot here fay ^
that it was before in efle morali, and had a mo-
ral canfation. How then conld your chief efl ati^
the bringing om of ^gypt > make thofe Infants
Church-members that were born in >Egypc, and
•were Church-members before f Or how could it be
any part of the caufe f Did the bringing out of
iGgypt concur to make Mofes a Church-member
vphen he was in the basket on the waters ? And
when you anfwer this , you may do well to go
a little further^ and tell me^ how fiich an a^ con*
curreth to makf him an Infarct Church-member
that was dead an hundred or two hundred year's
before that a5i was d.ne. For exa7nple^ how did
the fetling of the Ifraelites Army^ or Inheritance^
or the Covenant on Mount Sinai, make Khmael ,
or Efau, or Ifaac, or J^cob Church-members i*
J deftre you alfo to tell me by the next , whet
he the tiervcs and ligaments that tie all thefe
idEls £?/ 43 d. years at leafl together^ fo as to make
them one faB f And whether I may not as ground-
edly mak^ a fall fufficient for this pitrpoje of the
atls of an hundred or two hundred years only ?
And whether you may not as well make all the
^^j /r«?w Abrahan:is call till Chrift to be onef^H^
and ajfign it to this office ?
Tou fay that you call this fad: [ tranfeunt 3
hecaufe it's \_pafl^~\ {a?id fo till it's [_pafi~\ n
feemi
[eems Ifaac and Jacob that were dead before '] ar^
no ChrHch-memhers ; ] I would then fain kncv>
whether it he this fame travfcunt fad: , or fome
other J that makes Infants Church-wembers fv6
hundred years after it is paft ? Jf it be thisfame^
then how comes u meet tranftunt tad to work^ ef-
feEiually fo n^,any hundred years after it is paft ^
Hnlef it made a Law or Covenant which doth
the deed ? If it be a new tranfeitnt fad that muft
make Infants (^hurch-members after the comfleat-^
ing of this ( the fetling their inheritances •, ) then
I fray yon let me know ^ whether it be one fad cxr
ercifed on the whole nation in grofy or mnfl it he
a fad Hfon eiiery Infant member individnally f If ,
on the nation y remember to tell m what it was •
and do not only tell us the canfe of the member-
fiiif of former Infants, And feeing it mufl h^
fach as the memherjhip of every Infant tillChrifis
time at lea (t mufl hecattfedby^ I pray yen remem^'
her to make your worki fquare and full , and he
fure to affign ns no other kindofhdiy thanwha^
yoh will prove to have been fo frequently repeat-^
ed in every age^ and fo fully extenfive to everyl
Infant among the Jews^ as that it have nogapSybut?
may make all members that werefo in each age/And
remember y that it is no law^ precept , promife or
covenant that you mnfi ajfignfor the caufe ^ for that
is it you are engaged againfl : but a confiantfiAC--
ceffion of tranfeunt fads extending to each indi^
Vkdital member. . O what work, have yon wade
yourfelf? and what a fort of new political Do-^
Brine jhall we have from you, when thefe things
an accomplijhed according to the frame you ha'^a
F begm^
__ (66)
tegunf Such as I believe the Sun fteverfaw,mf
the vplfefi Lawyer in England ever read he^^
fare f IVhkh makes me the lef marvel that fi ma-»
ny^fyour opinion arefo much again ft the Lawyers j
for / dare fuy they will be hut few of them for
you^ if thefe be your grounds^ or at leafi not for
thefe your grounds*
Refly. To all this I find nothing (aid by Mr*T.
tlut I think worthy the Readers trouble to reply
to : Let him read it and fee. His charge c*
{^foclijh excUrnationSy vanityy &:c. ^ I pafs by.
SECT, XXXIX,toXLIV.
R. B. T5 ^^ all this yet is but a light velitation :
XJ The principal thing that I would en*
quire into, is^ what your great comfrehenfive fa^
ts in the true nature of ity which you call [] Gods
taking the whole people of the Jews to be hispeo*
fU'J Doth the word {_taking~\ fignifie a meer
fhy/ical taking orfu^ ; or a moraly fuch as among
wen we cally a civil aBion f If it be a meer phy^
fical takings then^ i . It cannot produce a moral
effe^y fuch as that in que ft ion is, 2. j4nd then
it mufl have an anfwerable obje^j which muft be
indii idual extftent perfons. 3 • Ji/id then you can-
not 4;a 7 it one fdi^ but many thoufand :■ even as
n any as there were perfons taken in to the Jews
in above four hundred years, 4, And then what
"Was the phy fical att which is called Gods taking ^
y^as it jttch a ttikjr^g as the Angel ufed to Lor,
tlikt carried him out of ^dom •, or m the Apo-
cry*
cryfhal jiuthor mentions of Habakkuk , that vpo^
taken hy the hair of the head, and carried hy the
Angel into another Conntry , to bring Daniel 4
PJefi of Pottage ? If God mttft by a phyfical appre^
hen/ion take h'Ai of them that he makss Chnrch^
members , vpe jhall be at a lof for our proof of
their Churih'wemberjljip. But I cannot imagine
that this PS yonr fenfe. Bnt what is it then ? Is
it a phyfical a^ion thoHgh a moral caufation ojf
fome phyfical effeli ? That it cannot be : for it
it a political or moral effe^ that tve enquire af*
ter* It necejfarily remains therefore that this bit
a political moral taking that y0H here [peak of»
And if fo^ then the tranfeitnt faB you Jpeak, of
fffttfi needs be a civil or political aSiion, And
Vfhat that can be y which is no Law y Fromife or
Covenant in this cafe ^ I prny you befiow fome
ftfcre diligence to inform usy and not put us off
with the raw name of a iranfeunt fatl oppofed to
thefe. (Certainly J if it be a civil or legal aBion^
the produU: or effe^ of it is jus or debitum , fome
due or right : And that is either ^ i . A duenefs
of fomewhat from m^ ( which is either fomewh at
to be donCy or fomewhat tc be given - ^ 2i Or 4
, iduenefs of fomething to t^y which is either of good
, \or evil : If goody it is either by contrail or dona-^
, ^ion ( whether by a Tefiament pramiant LaWy or
. jhe like : ) if evil , it is either by fome pcenal
, \Law , or voluntary agreement ' Now which of
; \heje is it that your tranfeunt fa<ft produceth f To
}t a member of the Churchy is to be a member of
\ ^fociety taking God in Chrifl to be their Gody
^, te< tfiksn by him for his jpecial people i The a($
t Z which
I
C68)
Vi^\hich m^k^^s each member^ is of the fame ndturt
with that ' which makss the^ fociety. The relation
then cfftmially containeth^ i , Aright to the great ^
benefits of Gods f over aignty over men ^ Chrifts^
hcadfiif^ and that favour ^f rot eEiion ^ frovifon
and other hlcjfwgs , which are due from fnch a.
■powerful and gra&tom Sovera:ign to fnch SubjeciSy
and from fnch a Head to his ^J^emhers : Asal^,
fo a. right to my fiation in the Bodyy and to the-
iinfeparable benefits thereof, 2. Jt containeth my
debt of obedie?ice to God tn Chri fly* acknowledged-,
and fromifed aU: 11 ally or virtually ^ really orrepu-j
tativdy. Now for the firft^ how can God he re^
latcd unto me a.s my Godj or Chrift a^s my Savi-
viour, and I to him as one that have fuch right
to him and his blefftngs , by any other way than
his own free gift? This gift mufi be fome fg"
nif cation of his will : For his fecret will is not a
gifty but a purpofe of giving. This way of gi-
'vmg therefore . is by a civiT or moral all ion ^
V(hich is a fignifying of the Donors will •, and
can be by no way , but either pure donation^ con-
traii,y tefiament , or law. In our cafe it muft
needs partake of the nature of all thcfe, h ii
not from one in any equality ^ nor capable of an)
(bilging compenff.tion or retribution jrom m- Be-
ing therefore from an abfolute dif-engaged Bene-
fatiory it muft needs be by pure donation , or i\
cannot be ours. Tit as. he is- pleafsd as it wen
to cblige htmfelf by promifcy or by his.word, am
alfo to call m to a voluntary accept ancty and en
gagement to certain fiaelity', gratitude and duty
» nd fo is the ftipuUtory and we the promifers it
tk
the latter fart of the aBion : it is therefore jufily
called a-coTJtraEi or Covenant ^ though indeed the
word r Covenant J frequently fig'nifeth Gods own
•promije alone. As it proceedeth from the death
of the tefiator (in natural moral-repitative -he-
ingj ) jo it is called a te flame nt. And a6 it is
an td of a rHlingBcnefad^or^ giving this bene ft
to the governed^ to promote the ends of govern-
ment , and obliging td ditty thereby , fo it par-
taketh of the natnre of a law. The comrnonefb
Scripture name for this ad:^ is Gods (Covenant or
Promifey and fometimes his gift -^ which all figni--
fie the fame thing here. It follows therefore j
that either by Gads \_ taking Ifrael to be his peo^
pie "I you mean fhme civil poiitical aUion , as a
Covenant^ Promife , or the like collation of the
benefit, ( and then you ajjert the thing which yon
deny , ) or elfe you know not what you mean ,
Kor Ctin makr another know it , wtthmt the dif-
covery of the grojfefi abfiirdity* And 06 for the
other thing which is contained in Church-mem"
berfijipy the profcjfed duty of man to God , it is
mo ft certain^ i. That Gods Law ,obligeth in to
that duty: z. And obligeth all according to their
capacities to confent to the obligatiofi , and fo to
' re-engage themfelves : 3. That^ this aViual ton-
j fent profejfed doth therefore double the cbligatian'i
I And thi^ by a mutual contrary Covenantor eon-
, fent (whereof our part is fir ft recjiiired by a
laWy ) is the relation of Church-me-mberfinp ^con-
traced. Now to lay by and deTiy all this ^ and
give us the general nak^d name of [^ taking for
Gods people fj^.ii meeriy dekfory , feeing/ that
F3 C-'-''---T
(70)
C f'^ki^^ 1 w^ans this vphich yoH exclude , or ff
means nothing that is true and reafonahle, jind
therefore tell m better what tt means,
cyis for the Texts yon cite , Diut, 4. 34. <^
f.evit. 20. 24, 26. I King. 8. 53. irai,43. 1. In
J)eur. 4. IS mentioned not the moral ap: of God
y which he made them his people , or took^ them
for his own , and founded the relation : but the
natural aBions whereby he refcued them from the
Egyptian bondage and took^ them to himfelf or
for his ufcj fervice, and honour out of that land^
But I think^fure they were his feopUy and all their
Infants were Church-members before that taking
i^y vertuc of a former Covenant-taking,
j^s to Levir. 20. God did perform a twofoU
work, of fcparation for Ifrad. i» By his Cove-
nant and their entrtng Covenant with him. Z.By
local feparation of their bodies from others. It
VSftu the firfi that made them his people , and
phurch-members , and not the lafl : the lafi was
only a favourable dealing with them a^ hts be-r
laved* The fame I fay to the other two Texts^m
Sure you cannot think, that corporal feparation
wakes a Church-member, What if an i^gypti-
^1 that had no part in the Covenant had pafi out
with the Ifraelies, and got with them through the
f.ed Sea , do yau thinks he had been therefore a
Church-member ? Suppofe God had made no pro-
mife or covenant with Abraham or his feedy but
fnly tjaksJ^ them out of ChaMea into Canaan,
and thence into iEgypt, and thence inp the Wil^
dernef , ^n^ thence it)to Canaan again : Do yon
ifhink^ this much had mad€ t^em Chnrch-mem-^
• ^ hers^
Vers ? Then if the Turkj conquer Greece ^ cr the
Tartar tans conquer China , they are he come
QjHrch^memhers , becanfe this feems as great 4
temporal frofperity at leaft. And I think it ts
fafl donbt^ that Lot vea4 a Church-member in thg
midfi ef Sodom, and the Ifraelites in ^gypt be*
fore they vpere brought out , as truly as after.
As to Gen. 12. i. Ads 7. 2. Nehem. 9. 7.
V^hich you alfo cite , as there is not one of them
that gives the leaft intimation that Infant*
P^Hrch'Wemberjhip then began ^ fo } jhaU further
enqnire anon; whether they contain any Covenant
er promife.
So Exod. 19. 4, 5. hath no word that gives the
leaft intimation that God by that a5l of taking
them out of ^gypt , did make Ifrael a Chnrch ^
er the Infants or any others^ members of it : But
only that by fulfilling a former promtfe in the deliver
ranee of a people formerly his own^ he layethfur^
ther obligations to duty on them by redbubling his
Mercies. The fame I fay of Levit. 1 1. 45. Neh.
I, 10. / Will not believe yet^ but that you believe
your felfy that the Ifratlites and their Infants
were as truly Church-members before ^ as after
their deliverance out of ^gypt. And me-thinkj
the Texts you cite might put it out of doubt »
mat if God fay, Hof. ii. i, ^When Ifrael was
a child I loved him , and called my Son out of
-^gypt, ] Is it eafie hence to prove thsit eaUing
him out of -/Egypt did make him his Son that woe
none before : or to prove that Ifrael was Ced$
$on before he called him out of iEgypt ? V ytm
fioitUi maints^n the former , / might cxfcU thai
<72)
you jhot0 fay the like of Chrifl himfelf^ to whom
the Evangelift applieth this text ♦, and fo you may\\,\
f'ove 4^ fairly ^ that Chrifl xvas none of Gods Son
till he vp as called out of ^gypr, but woi made his
Son by that call. Certainly the Text termeth him
Gods Son that was called^ as being fo before that
calL By this time I am well content that any
Xvaktng man do compare your doBrine an'i mine ,
and try whether it be atranfeimt faU^ or a Law
and Covenant , that made Infants and all others
()ourch mer^ibers : and if they do not admire that,
tver a learned man jhould harbour Jhch a conceit^
ss yours, and th.it 'ever a godly man fliouldbmld
}i4ch a Yf eight on it , and go fo far on fiich a
ground, yea and that evef ordinary godly feoplis
Jjjo/ild be To blinded with fich palpable nonfenfe
or abfardities, then let them fl ill follow you in the
*i^^yK.\ for I expeEl not that reafon fhould recover
them.
Reply. To :1I this I find nothing faid that
lieedei'h any /orcher reply.
SECT. XLIV, XLV.
R. Bo T Ccr/ie now to the eighth Que ftion^ that is
JL to fp call to the point which yon propound-
ed> TvH ifige me to cite to yon the particular
Texts that contain thif Law^ Ordinance^ Precept'
or Covenant, To which I anfwerthm. i. There-
are two forts cf Laws •, one which firfi make a
dupy I the ether which fiippofe itfo made ^ and
do only call for obedience^ and excite thereto , gt
frefcribe fomewhat as a means in order thcrennto*
If I could [Ijevv you no veritten law or fron?ife
as firfi confiitHting the duty, or granting the fri-
viledge of Chnrch-meTnberjhip , it were not the
leafi difparagement to wy catife^ as long as I can
jherv yon thofe following Laws which prefapfofe
this. Ton know the Church of God did live about:
2000. years without any written law that we
know of : where then was Cods will manifefted
ahont fuch things as this , hut in tradition and
nature ? If Mofcs then at the end of this 2C00.
years did find this tradition^ and find all the In-
fants of Chttrch'tnembers in foffeffion of this be-
nefit^ then what need he wake a new Law about
it ? Or why Jljould God premife it as a new
thing ^ I confef if I jhould find by any new law
or promife that it did beginr but in Mofes days ,
I fijould thinks it fome abatement of the firength
of my canfe ( thoifgh yet I thinks there would
enough remain, ) 2. There are (yet higher ) two
forts of laws ': the one for the c on ft it ut ion of the
(^0 m mo n -wealth it ft If ^ the other for the admi-
7itflration or government of it when it is fo con-
ftitnted. The former are caUcd by fome^ Funda-
mental Laws^ as laying the frame and form of
the Commo?7'Wealthj and the quality of the mate-
rials^ &c. / thinks indeed) that as conftitutive of
the form of the Common-wealth\^ thefe ^re fcarce
-properly called Laws ^ though as they look^ for-
ward, obliging to duty^ and prohibiting alterati-
on^ they may. But if they be not laws, they are
Comewhm higher^ and lay the ground o^ all laws
and
(74)
tutjd ohedienci^ 4nd fo are laws eminenter & vir-
tualicer, though not aCinally and formally: And
in owr cafe , as this confiitution did fnbjeti m t9
Cody making it our dmy ever after to obey him j
fo doth it oblige ta to ackffowledge that fubje^i*
on, jind the very conftitution of the Church is
an aU of high beneficence y and performed by the
fundamental grant or Covenant, JSlovff if this Co'
V^nant and confiitation could not exprefiy be fioew^
ed in wriringj it were no diminution of the au^*
thority of it , p^^i^g among men fundamental^^
are feldom written •, and when they are y. it it
only as Laws obliging the fuhjeli to maintain and.
adhere to the firft cQnfittution, As long there*
fore as we can -prove that it is Gods will that
fuccejjlvely Infants jhould be Church^memberSy it
no whit invalidates the caufe if we could not
fiiew the original conftitution in writings Xet
fomewhat we jhallatten^pt, 3, We have full proof
of Infants Church-member fioip by Laws and Con
venants concerning it , ever fince the time that
there was a written word of God : and that ii
fiifficient J if we could fetch it no higher, Ha^
^ing premifed this , / come nearer to the Q^e-^
Jfion.
The firfi infiitution of Infants Church-mem--'
herjl}ip de jure upon fuppofition of their exiflence^
reas tn Gods firfi conftitution of the Republick of
the worldy when he became mans Govermur^and
determined of his fubjecis , and members of thi
Commo/i-wealth : Which Republick^ being facred ,
^nd devoted to Gods worfioip and fervice , 111;^
truly a (hurch of which God WM head^ ThU
(15)
\K>as prformed by the firfi Law avd Covenant
piade either tn or upon wans creation, Thatftich
Covenant or projnife of felicity was made by
Cod to innocent nian^ alnjofl aU Dtvtnes agrte :
^Ht becahfe it is rather implied than exprejjed m
Mofes hnef Htfioryy fome ftw cavillers do there^
fore contradtli tu, Bnt ^ i. The thrcatntng of
death for fin, feerr.s t9 imply a prowife of life tf
he finned not, 2. ayind the New Tefiament af-
fordeth m divers pajfages that yet plamlier prove
ity which to you I neeanot recite, 3 iit whether
this promife of life were natural ( a^ the threat^
ning of death was ^ ) or only pofittve and more
arbitrary , Divines are net agreed among them*
felves, Thofe that fay it was free and pofitive^
give this reafony That God could not naturally he ob^
liged to blef or felicitate the moft innocent or
perfcEi creature^ nor any creature merit of God,
Thofe that thinks it natural at the threatning wasy
fay^ It's true that Gad could not be properly ob^
ligedy becaufe he is under no Law , no more is
he obliged to pumjh, but only man obliged tofuf-
fer if he infill it : And its true that m^n can-
not ftriilly merit of God, But yet, fay they^ as
man way have a natural aptitude for fuch feli-
city^ fo Cod hath a natural propenfity to do good
according to the capacity of the fubjeEi , and hi(
works do oblige him (improperly ) in point offi^
deltty and immutability as well as his word. So
that their reafons are thefe following, i, Becaufe
Cod is as naturally prone to do good to the good,
as to do evil to the evtl^ that *f, to reward as t9
PHnifimem ^ as hu name proclaimed to MoFes ,
£xod
C76)
ExoCi. 34. jhews. 2. Becaiife God making man
capable of a higher felicity ^ and principling him
With inclin^tio?js thereto^ and giving him depres^
leve^ and other ajfe^ions for that bleffed endj even
the everiaftmg fruition of Gody therefore they fay ^
43 od did in this frame af his nature give him ground
to expeli fuch a felicity -^ if he finned not, Vor
tlfe all thefc inclinations and affe^ions flwuld have
hcen in vain : But God made not fo noble a crea-
ture with vain inclinations and affeBions to a5i.
fallacioiify and falfly, Alfo Gods workj would
■not be harmonic al : So that as Gods promife is bnt
a fi^nof his will obliging him improperly in point
cf fidelity and immutability^ fo^ fay they ^ the na-
jure of man was a fign of Gods will fo far enga-
ging him : So that as he could not Ut fin go un-
punifJjed without fome breach in the harmony of
hifs fapi€?itial frame of adminifiratit)n , no more
could he dc7iy to perfeH: man the objcB: of thofe de-
fires which he formed in htm. So that aUhough
he might have made man fuch a creature oa
fljould not nneffarily be punifiicd for evil j or re—
xvarded for goody that is y he might have r/^ade him
not a man :^ yell: having fo made him^ it is necef-
fary that he be govertud as ^ man in regard of
felicity oa wcR as penalty, §, Our fhilofophers
and Divines do commonly prove the immortality of
the foul from its natural inclinations to God and
eternal felicity. And if the immortality may be
fo proved from its nature , then alfo its, felicity
tn cafe of rightcoufnefi, I interpofe not my felf
us a fudge in this controverfie of Divines^ but I
have mentioned it to the end which 1 fiiallnox^ ex^
(n)
frefs, T* It is mo fl certain^ whether the reward
orfromife be natural orpofrwe^ that ftuh a fiat e
of felictty man vpas either in or in the way to , or
in fart and the way to more. And it is mofi cer^
tainj that man was made holy , dcvoted^ to God ^
an4 fit for his fervice^ and thai in this eftate ac-
cording to the Law of his creation ^ he was to
iyjcreafe and multiply : I; is mofi certain therefore^
that according to the fir ft law of nature^ Infant s^
flwidd have been Church-members, 2. Bat if their
opinion hold^ that mak^ the reward grounded on
the law of nature , and not on a meer poftive
law-, ( and you fee the reafons are not contempti-
ble, )■ then the argument would be yet more ad-
vantagioHi. 3. But however it be of the title to
glory or eternity ^ it is mofi certain ^ that accord-
ing to the 'very law of nature Infants were to have
been Church-members if man had flood. The firfi
Text therefore that I cite for Infants Church-
memberfliip, as expreffmg its original de jure, is
Gen. 1.26,27,28. [So Gcd created man in his
own Image And God blefTed them , and
God faid unto them, Befruitful; and multiply, and
repleniili the earth. ] Here you fee by the law of
nature Infants were to have been born in Cjods
Image and in innocency ^ and fo Church-mem^
hers. And note ^ that the firft bUfjjng that God
fronounceth on mankind^ is y that they jtropagate
Children in their ewn efiate^ to be as the Pa-
r^ents were, even in Gads Image.
Kr.T. I. If this prove their Church-rnenjberniip , it
proves HOC their vinble Chiirch-memberrhip.
(78;
Refly. Mark Reader, that Gods taw andWfp
Jiug for che frofagation of Adams feed in his
Image^ would noc have made them when born to
be 'nifihle Church-memben , though members t
What not fo notorious a LaWy and Cove.nant^ and
BenediEhion ? No wonder if all Chriftians Infants
mu ft be (hut out , if Innocent Adams rouft have
been (hut out?
He adds, [ 2. if it prove a Law or Ordinance, yet not
fuch a Law or Ordinance as i^s in qtejlion j which u not d
law or Ordinance dc jure, but de eventu, that fo it (haU
be they being to be acluiUy vipble charcly-members bt"
fore admijfion according to Mr. B'^ dictates. ]
Reply, Alas, poor Readers, that muft be thus
wearied I I know nothing that this LaW or Cove-
nant giveth but a Ri^hf to real benefits that miift
have anfwerable caules : I know no Right givtrt
but it is evemnaUy given , nor received but it's^
eventually received, Aimiffion is an ambiguous
word ; My didatesas he calls them, are i. Thac
Gods Law obligeth perfons to devote therafelves
and their Infants to God, by confenting to his Co-
venant for themfelves and them : 2. And to do
this if they have opportunity in the folemn Ba-
ptifmal Covenanting Ordinance: 3. And in his
Covenant or La^ of Grace he projnifeth to accept
them^ and fignifieth his confent to the mntnal Co-
venant : which is antecedently to their confent ,
but a conditional confent or Covenant^ but confe-
^Hcntly a^iiaL 4. That accordingly natural in-
terefi only is not the Reafon why a Btlie^ers Child
is a Church-member , meerly becaufe he is his :'
Biic God having given him povcer and obligation
¥flfoiQ dtf^ofe of his own Child for the ends of hit
Creaiioitt
(19:)
Creation and Kcdenrftiort^ be is a Church-membet
initially upon heart -confent •, and by Inveftitur^
upon Sacramental confent: which X think you
mean by Admijfion*
9, Saith Mr. T. if it did prm fuch a Law or Ordinmce^
yit it proves it not fuch a. promife and preapt as Mr, B. ^
fmnh.
Reply. Muft fueh dealing as this go for an an-
fwer ? What's the difference }
Mr. r. addcth, 4. // it did , ytt it only prtveth it of the
church by nature,
Reply, You are hard put to it, I do by this
firft inftance ihew you where and when the Or-
dinance y Law or Grant of Infant Chhrch-memher-
pip was jirfl made* And 1 leave it to any impar-
tial Chriftian whether I prove it not certain, that
God in Nature making man in his own Image
with an \_ Increafe and Multiply ] fignifie nor
that Infants fhould have been Holy to him , if
jidam had not fmned: and fo have been mtm^
hen of the Innocent Qonrch or Kingdom of God^
Alas, many go fo much further , as to alTert as
truth, that had Adam flood ( nay but in that one
temptation ; yea fay fome, had he but once loved
God ) all his poftcrity had not been only borrt
Holyy but co?2frmed as the Angels: I cannot prove
that : but I can prove that they had been born ho-
ly had not Adam finned, and fo had been vifihle
members. And if fo that God did found In-
fant memberfliip in NatHre^ let awakened reafon
think, whether Parents yet have not as much in-
terefl in children^ and children in Parents ^ and
then whftber C§d have ever rfverfi this natural
order ?
drder ? Yea whether he hath not all along cotu
firmed it? At feemethout of doubt to me,
I know that Parents and Children now ar^
corrupt : but withal upon the promife of a Re-
deemer , [] an univerfal conditional pardon and
f^ift of life in a Covenant of Grace took^ place J
Let them deny it that can, and dare. And it in-
tknateth no change of Gods will as to Infants
conjmci interefl with their Parents,
. He faith that [ the Church by Grace is only by
EleEiion and Calling , not birth. ^ I would defire
him if he can, to tell me, whether both Cain and
zy^bel were not vifible Chiirch-members in Adams
family ? And whether none but the EleU are -z;/-*
fihle members? And whether God call not them,.
that dxt vifible members to that fiate? • "'
He faith [ //- this Law k in farc^ all an horn vplthoid
fin.'\ ' . ' ^ ' y
Reply, The Covenant of Inmcincy is not \W
force; but yet I may tell you what it was while
it was in forcfe ; and that Infants vifible Ghurch-^
memberlhip was founded in Nature and that Law
at firft : And therefore though our Innocency be
loft, Parents are Parents ftiil •, And if God change'
ijot his order therein , are as capable of confent-'
ing to Graceioti their Childrenj as they were of
being innocent for them. - --'S^ '■ ■
SEC T^
(Si)
SECT. XL VI.'
R. B, T^-^^ riext Inflitution of Jnfafits Church-
X, niemb€rjl)if^ WdS at the firfi proclawa-
tion of grace to fallen man , or in the firjl pro-
Wife of redemption to fmners ^ in Gen* 3. 15.
[] And I will put enmity between thee and the
woman, and between thy feed and her feed : it
fhall bruife thy head, and thou (lialt bruife his
heel. ] / will pro7je that this ftndar/iental Cove-
nant of grace or promife doth declare it to be th?
will of God that hfants fliAtld be Church-mem-
bers : zy^nd to this end, let va firfi coyifder what
the words exprefly contain , and then what light
may be fetcht from other Texts to illuflrate them:
It being a kz^own rule^ that an Expofitor TKiift not
turn u?irjerfds into fingklars or particulars y nor
refrain and limit the Scripture generals , where
the word it [elf or the nature of the fitbjeB doth
fiot limit them, J may well conclude that thefe
things following are comprehended in this funda-
mental promife , 1. That the Devil having plai-
td the enemy to mankind , and brought them in-
to this fin and mifery, God would not leave ther/i
temedilefs, nor to that total voluntary fubjetlion
to him as he might ha e done : Bftt in grace or
ikndeferved mercy would engage them in a war
i4gainfl hm^ in which they that conquered JJwuld
^uife his head, 2. That in this war the Lord
^Jefns Chriflj the principal feed, 'is promifed to be
iHr General J whofe perfe^ nature fhoftld contatnj
G and
(82)
and hii perfecl life exprefi a perfetl enmity a^ainff
Satan , and who jhoitld makj a perfe6i conqUeji
over him, 3, The Lord Jefii^ vs promifed to da
this work^ ^s the womans fcedj anafo as conceived
of her, and born by her^ and [0 as an Infant fir fi^y
before he corr.es to ripenef of age. So that here
an Infant Qf the \vowan is promifed to be the Gens-
. rat of.th^s Arrny, and Head of the Church. This
is rKof} evident : By which God doth fanttifie the
humane birth ^ and the Infant fiate, and ajjnre us
that he doth not exclude now that a^e from the
redeemed Church , which he admitted into the
Church by the laws of creation* For the firfi
promt fe u of an Infant born of the woman to be the
Head of the Churchy and growing up to maturi-
ty, to do the works of a Head, Had God excluded
the Infant fiate from the vifible Church he would
vot have made the Head fi'rfi an Infant, Where
note^ I. That Chrifi is the great exemplar of hi4
Church J and in things which he was capable of,,
he did that fir ft in his own body^ which he would
nfter do in theirs, 2. That the Head is a Mem-
bcr^ even the principal (iJMember^ one of the two
parts vMch confiitute the whole. As the parsim-
perans and pars fubdita do conftitute each Com-
mon:^wealth. So that if an Infant mufl be a mem-
ber eminently fo called , then Infants are
not excluded- from m ember flnp^ but are hereby
clearly warranted to be members of a lower na-
t4ire. If an Infant may be Soveraign^ no doubt he
may be a SuhielL If an Infant may be the chief
Prophet of the Church , then no doubt but Infants
may be Difciples, If yon ftill harp on the old
firini
(83)
'flring-^ and fay. They are no Difclfles that learn
not ^ yoH may 06 well fay ^ He ts no Prophet thai
teacheth not. And tf yon xvill openly deny Chrifiin
Infancy to have been the Prophet of the (^hurchj
I will undertake to prove the falftwod and vtlenef
ofthdt opinion y as joon a^ I know yon own it.
The promife then of an Infant Heady doth de-
clare Gods mind that he will have Infants mem"
hers J hecahfe the head is the principal member,
Mr. r. Tiie thing to be proved is a Law or Ordinance
of God unrep^?aIcd,
Reply, The thing I am to do , is to (hew yori
Vphcn and how God inflitHted Infants ChnrcH
ftate •, And that he never had a Church on earth
that excluded them : And particularly to (hew yod
that they are included in the firfi edition of the
Covenant of Grace made to Adam , which is
perfeded in a fecond edition , but not repealed-
This I think I have done.
Mr. T. addeth that It will not hold froin Chrills Head-
fliip in Infancy, &c, i. It is not declared in Scripture,
and fo a nicer pliancy : 2. Then an Infant in the womb
fhould be a vinble member, beciufethen Chriil was Head
of the Church : 9. Then an old man fhould not be a mem-
ber ; for Chrift was not an old mm.
Reply, I , IrendtHi thought it would hold who gi-
vcth this reafon of it ; And I leave the Reader to
confider whether the words cited prove i^tioto
Sure I am, it greatly fatisfieth my judgement,
that God hereby declared his will to include In-
fants in his Church vifibly. For the Head is t
Member^ even the nobleft : Therefore one Infant
is confeffed by you to be a viftble member of the
Church : And if one^ it will be incumbent on you
G z to
to prove the reft uncapable or excluded. When
I read that Chrift came not into the world at the
ftature that Adam did, but chofe to he an Infant^
and to be ferftcmed in Infancy^ and to have In-
fants murdered for his fakj firfi y and to tnvtte
and hfe them as he did, it is noc the rowling over
of your wearifom dry denials and confident abfur-*
dicies, that will perfwade me that Chrift jloHtteth
out all Infants. And I am fure that the Inftance
confiiteth your common exceptions againft Infants •,
As that they are not Dtfctples becaufe they learn
not J which yet they may be in the fame fenfe as
Chriji was their zJlfafiet in infancy when he
Taught not: And that their /»/v?wry did not inca*
pacitate them to be in Covenant with God^ to be
Chriflians^ to be Church-members ^ &c. Chrift
(hewed, in that in Infancy he bore all the Counter-
relations^ and was in the Covenant of God as Me-
diator : and that ( as far as we can Judge ) only by
a virtual and not aclual confent ( in his Infancy
and humane nature ) to the Covenant of media-
tion.
Mr. r. faith, [ Then an infant in tk v;omb may be a Church'
member 1
Reply, Yes, in the fame fenfe as Chrift in the
womb was the Churches head : not by the folemri
Invejiiture of Baptifm^ but by Confent : For be-
lieving Parents do dedicate their children to God
intentionally when they are in the womb : But a
man would think that you your felf (hould ac^
knowledge that this dedication and fo the vifibi-
lity of memberlhip , hath its gradations to perH
fcdion : Are not year frofelytes vifible members in\
mi
(SO
one degree^ when they o}snly profefs Chrifllanity
( as Con ji amine did ) and in ^further degree when
haptifed F The inter eft of your opinion puts frivo-
lous reafons into your mind which a child mighc
fee through.
Mr. r. addcth, [ Toen an old mm [honld not be a mm'
tir:\
Reply, Could you think now that you did not
cheat your poor Reader, if partiality had not (hut
one of your eyes ? It will follow, from \k\t ajfLrma^
tive^ that fuch a ftate of life which Chrift under-
took is lawful, fuch words which he fpoke, fuch
deeds which he did are lawful, because he ^/flftheni
( being not proper to rhe Mediator : ) But will ic
thence follow from the negative^ that no calling, no
thoughts , no words, no deeds are lawful which
Chrift u[ed not ? A fmgle man that hath no Wife
or Children may be proved capable of Church-
memberfhip, becaufe Chrift that was fuch was the
chief Church-meraber,that is, the head : But will it
follow that a married man therefore may be none ?
Chrifts example will prove that a child of God
may feera forfaken, may be crucified as aMale-
fador : but not that no other are Gods chil-
dren.
Mr. T. I deny not thit Chrift In Infjncy was bead of the
church, nor that he was tin Prophet of the Church hi Jnfancvy
underftanding it of his being the Frophet habitually and by de-
ftgnation, nor that he in forne refpeci-, to wit, of Rule and p^o-
teliion, was the head of the vifible Church, even of that part
which is not ehcl : yet I deny that in refpeci . of that union
which mal^s any members of his body, in the Scripture ac-
cmions which is by his jpirit, he is the head of that part
9f tbe vipble Church which is not ele^,
G 3 Reply.
(SO
• Reply, I. And will not the Reader be fatisffed
with thefe concciTions ? Mark Reader , that he
granteth that Chrift an Infant was the Chnrches
head, and thus lar ashe mentioneth of the Church
vifible, and that he was the Prophet of the Churchy
beeaufe he was fo habitually and by defgnation :
Why, even fo it is that we fay an Infant may be -
a Member^ a Difciple^ a Chriftian habitually and
by deftgnation^ (though Iwouldufe a fitter word
here than habitually: ) If this much be a reafon
for the denomination in one, why not in the other?
Yield Sir, or be not angry with Mr. Gataker.
2. And then what brought in your denial of
fpiritfial n;ember^np to the m^i-ele^ <' Would you
have made your Reader believe that it was any
thing to the queftion ? And when will you prove
that neither i Ccr, 12. nor any other Scripture
callcth thofe members that have but fuch com-
mon gifts of the (pirit^ as tongues^ miracles^ pror
fhecie-y &c. rejeifted Matth, 7. 23, And that
Chrifl never talkt in fohn 15. cf branches in
him not bearing fruit , aud fon. e cHt off from
him and withered, I am fure it was a whole
Church vifible that had carnal contentious wrang-
lers againfl the Apoftles in it, and men that were*
drunk at the Lords fupper , &c, of whom Pani
faith jCor» 12. 15, 18, 20, 22,23, 26, 27. that
they were the ^(?^f?/ Chrifi and members m par--
ticnUry and common gifts are mentioned as their
Charader. '• — -
*■ ■ ^
Mr. T. that the himmi birth mi infant jlate « fmCti-
fei ( by chrifls) a mt true : for thin it would be holy tit
. Reply, I deny your confequence. There are
fcveral ca^fes concur to the fame falsification :
Cbrifts Birth and Infancy ar<? ^iK a remote pre-
faratory cai-tfe^ ofpowerlul fandification, which
is ever to tndtzidii^A pcr(ons ; as all things are
pure to the pure , and when they are capable fuh-
j^d"s , by natural exigence and Barents cor.fe?a ^
then from all the caitfes together refuits theholinefs
of that ftate : As Chnfts death end n.crits fandi-
fie us , but not innrediutcly nor alove. But Di-
vines ufe to take this word \ fa'/i[l:ifyir^r~] in an
initial preparatory fcnfcj as it fignifieth the making
of fuch a thing or Jlate fit for holy ufe : As Tem-
ples and Utenfils are faid to be fandified , when
defigned to be ufed hoiily ( before the ufe. ) But
muft they th.refore he fo ufed by all? No, but
by the Priefls and Worfhippcrs ? So they ufe to fay,
that Death and the Grave are fanclified by ChriJ} :
How > Not to all, Or any oUhe u:igodly : But the
curfc is tah^cn off^ and they are hallowed for the
holy advantage of the faithful. So is it as to his
'Birth and Infancy,
Mr. T*. ^'or do I conceive any truth hut gro(? fa'jhood m that
fpccch [ Had God excluded the Infmc fracc from the vi-
fible Church, he would not have ?nad2 the Head firji an
lifint ~\ For this doth fuftinfe this we only end" or chief
end and more in Gods eye than the faving sf firi'
virs
Reply, I prove that grof falfimd to be true,
thus :
That jlate or a^e which Cod vifbly included
\ undaUually made the chief vt/tbleChurcb-mefrf^er
^ iny he did not exclnde from the vifihle Church :
, Bnt the Infant ftatc Cod vifibly inclnded, and
G 4 aUually
(88)
aVtually wade the chief vifihle Chitrch-mtwherinf
Therefore the Infmit flute God did not exclude
from the vifihle (^hitrah.
The reafon of the Major is because to include
and exclude are contraries. The Minor he con-
fefTeth. If he fay that it may be included and ex-
cluded in feveral perfons, I anfwer, I here fpoke
but of the St(^te or Age of Infancy as fuch , to
prove that qua talis an Infant is not excluded:
For if qua talis^ then it will hold ad omnes uni-
verfally, and then {Ihrifthdid been excluded: And
therefore the A^e is not excluded as fuch^ if in- '
eluded in one : For it rauft be a total exclufton ' '
And therefore if he will prove our Infants excln-
'ded^ it muft not be qua tales as Infants , but for '
fome other reafon, (when he c n find it ^ and fo;
the Age or ftate is not excluded.
2. But what man elfe could have gathered, that
then this wuft be the only or chief end , and more '
in Gods eye than the failing of a fmner ? Is there ,'
any more included in the affertion than barely thaf^
\_ God would not have made an Infant the- chiefs
member if he would have excluded Infants as In- .
fants ? ~\ Who c uld hence have found out that
God hat:.! various fegrees of intention ? And we-
mufl difpute which is chiefly in his eye : and
that this WM only or chiefly in his eye more than
faving finners. Let them difpute what is chiefly
in Gods eye, that can better diftinguifh of thofc
volitions which are all but h\s fimple ejfence-^ but
let them do it on better reafons than thcfe. * *
.Mr. T, I deny that Chrift as, mav in i^fr^icy was thi Fro- '
p^'?t'of- Ins- Church v/fi!?lyj and'm adu exercico : Let Mr. B,'
when
/89)
when k tvill affaalt, thin r^nll .^pr:ar in bis contradi^Ion,
vileneji and manifold fal,honds.
Reply. That one little [_a?id'] was cunningly
put in to bring you ofF-, by takjng vifthiltty and
•exercife conjunctly : But are your followers To cri-
tical as to difcern the knack? i. Neither do wc
fay that Infants are learners in aCiii exercito ^
andfo what is this to the matter ? 2. But Reader
I cin prove to thee if thou be impartial , though
not to Mr. T, that it is neither vtle nor falfe that
Chrift in Infancy was the Prophet of hts Church
vifihly^ ( though not in aElu exercito : )
That which vfos declared by Angels from Hea-
ven , and by revelation to ^iJMary , Zacchary ,
Anna^ Symeon^'\\A, by Prophccie by them to others,
is to be called vifthle : But that Chrift was the
Head and Prophet of the Church, (habitually
and by defignation2,% Mr.T. calls it J was thus de-
clared ^^go
Mr. 71 And for his inference , if an if ant may he the
chief Prophit of the church , then no doubt but Infants may
he Vifciplesy I grant both: and yet deny that chri:t iv^ts-vifi-
hly.y an'dibiy, in aftu exercito, /// his infancy in h>s humane
nature the Prophet of his churchy or that any Infants area[iu~
ally Difciples vifibly^ till they hear the Gofpel and profef? the
faith: Nor am I aloamed to aver that he is no Prophet that
prophefuth not, that they are no Difciples that learn not.
Reply, Reader thou art not the perfon that I
write for, if thou perceive not here his caufeno-
torioufly given up, and yet a noife ofword^ufed
fliaraefully to hide what he is forced to confefs.
I. He. granteth both that an Infant way be
( and vpas ) the chief Prophet of the Church , and
infants way be Difciples, 2. This is it that -we
di/putc
(90)
dilute for which he exprefly granteth. 3. He
denyeth the faid Pvelation titles as in aciu exerci-
tOy and y^ do we '^ that is, that Chrift then pro-
phefied , and Infants learn or believe, 4. He
talks conBdently in this denial , as if he would
have fools believe that this were the difference, and
we held the contrary. 5. But he is fain to jug-
gle in the word [ audibly J joyned to [_ vifihly J
for a paltry fubterfuge, that if we prove Chipift
vifthly the Prophety we may not prove him audi^
bly fo, 6. Yet it is fuch a [ vifibtUty ~] as
[^ muketh one known 3 that he had in hand ^ and
before denied \ht\^vifibility : ] as here ^ but if you
prove that Chrift was vtjibly the Prophet , he
can fay [^ but not audibly ] If you prove that he
was audibly foy in that Angels and Prophets ^/z-
dibly declared it, he can fay \_ but not in aEiu excr-
cito 3 and by his own Prophefying •, which none
denieth. 7. And yet in the end he exprefly with-
out diftindion denieth him to be any Prophet that.
Profhefieth not , or them any Difctples that learn
noty when he had m terminis granted the c<yitra-
ry before , and muft needs therefore grant and
deny by diftindion. In fumm, our caufe is ex-
prefly granted us (and exprefly denied^ we plead
for no other kind of memberfhip to Infants, but fuch
as Ghrifthad, nor for any other fort of vifMity^
than the vifibility of their being the feed of per-
fons confenting to Gods Covenant, and Godsex-
prefTed will in his word, that they fhould be of-^
fered to him by confenting Parents, and that he
will accept them, and did conditionally firfi corir
Jm.
SECT,
(91)
SECT. XLVII, XLVIII.
R. B. A "^ ^^^ ^'^'^ ^^ ^^^^ frocUiwed^ and the
JLjl General or chief (^on^wander confli-.
tHtcdy fo next here is a natural enmity pHt ima
the whole feed of the Vi'ory.an^ or humane race ^
again ft the whole pdd of the Serpent that then
woi^ or the Diabolical natme. This ts plain both
in the Text^and in the exptrie?ic£ of the fulfilling of
it. As in the inflrnmental ferpent, tt is the vphole
ferpenttne nature^ that hath an enmity to the hu-
wane nature^ and the whole humane nature to the
ferpentinc nature •, they bcingnjcnerr.eui to m^ and
■we abhorring them oi njemn.oiu , and as fuch as
our lives are in danger of : fo is it the whole hu-
mane nature that ts at enmity to the Diabolical
nature. Vide Mufcul. Calvin. Luther, in locum.
jill men have naturally as great an abhorrence of
the Devil ^ as of a ferpent , they apprehend htm
to be their enemy y they abhor the very name and
remembrance of him : If they do but dream of him^
it terrtfieth them ^ they are afraid of feeing him
in any apparition. If they know any temptation
to be from him^ fo far they diflikc tt and abhor
it 5 though for the thing prefented they may che-
rijh it» This is not jpectal faving grace^ but this
is a great advantage to the work of fpecial grace y
and to our more effeElual refiftmg of temptations^
and entertaining the help that is offered tis againfi
them^ when our very natures have an enmity to
the diabolical nature : m now look^ en him a^ ha-
ving
z'in^ the power of denthy a6 Gods exccutipmr and
our dejhoyer arid malUiom adverfary, tyind if
there he any Witch or other vpick[d perfoh that
hath contracied [nch familiarity and arr.ity with
him^ OA that this natural enmity u thereby over-
come , that proveth not that it vpas not naturally
there , hut that they by greater wick^dnc^ are
grown fo far unnatural, 5. As this enmity is
efiahlijlied in the nature of rnankind again ft thedi-
aholical nature , fo is there a further enmity le-
gally proclaimed againft the diabolical pravity ^
malignity and workj. Vide Parxum in locum,
God will put an enmity by his laws ( both natu-
ral and pofitive ) mJ^ng it the duty of mankind
to take Satan for their enemy ^ to refijl , and ufe
him as an enemy ^ and fight again ft him and abhor
his rvorkj, andfj to liftthemfelves under the Gene-
ral that fighteth againft him^ to take his colours^
and to be of his Army : And this being ftok^n of
the common world of mankjnd^ and net only of
the ele[i {for it is not they only that are obliged
to this hoftility and warfare ) belongeth to each
one according to their capacities : and therefore
Infants being at the Parents dijpofe ^ it is. they
that are to lift them in this Army againft the ene-
my of ma?i^^nd^ of which more anon • 6, A third
and higher enmity is yet here comprehended ^ and
that is an habitual or dijpofitive enmity againft
the diabolical malignity^ pravity and works ^
which may be called [^ natural \ as it is the bent
cr by as of our new nature. This God giweth on-
ly to his chofenj and not to all. And it contain-
eth noi only their confent to lift themfelves in his
army
(n)
army againfl Satan , btft jfecWtly and properly n
hatred to htm as the Prince of hnrighteoufnefs ^
and a cardial refolntion to fight againfi him and
his vpork^ univerfally^ to the death , vcith a com^
placency in God and his fcrvice and fonldiers*
Here take a jhort projpeli of the myfteriom bleffcd
Trinity, As God is one in three ^ and in his enti-
ty hath Hnity , verity and goodnefs ^ and iu his*
buffed nature hath pofTe, fcire, velle, power, wif-
dom and love^ fo 04 from thefe is he related both
to his created and redeemed rational creatures^ as
abfolnte proprietary , as foveraign ruler , and as
mofi graciom benefa^ior : As Lord of onr nature
he hath put the forefaid enmity between the hu-
mane nature and the Diabolical : As foveraign
J^nler^ he hath by legi flat ion impofed on m a fur"
ther enmity as uur duty , that we fuonld be lifted
in his army , profefs open hoftility againfl Sa-
tan y and fight again fi him to the death* As Be-
nefaClor^ he giveth jpecial grace to do this, to his
chofen. As he is Lord ofallfo the fir fl is done on the
natures of all: Ashe is RcBor of ally but not by the
fame Laws ( a^to pofitives ) fo he obligeth all to this
hoflilrtyy but not all a^i he doth thofe that hear the
Gofpel : z^s he is Benefatlor hv doth with his
own as he lift , and makes a difference. If any
fay that it is the fame enmity that is here faidto
be put in all , and therefore the fame perfons in
which it is put, I anfwer ^ i* There is no proof
of either, A general command cr promife to a
commiinity^ inay fignifie a difference rf duties or
gifts to that community^ though thitt differetice be
not cxprefjcd : For the nature of the fubjeB may
prove
(P4J
prove iti And^ 2. 'Eoi^erience of the fnlfilling
of this fromtfe or covenant , proves the difference
before mentioned. Aridities we II know n^ i^That
Mofes is fo concife in the Hiftory of thefe mat-
ters. 2, And that the myfterte of grace was to
he opened by degrees , and fo but darkly at the
firfi 5 that It if no wonder if we find the whole
fitmm of the Gojpel htre coHcht up in fo narrow
^ room^ and if each particular be not largely laid
open before our eyes, 7. That we may certainly
know that this promt fe Jpeakj not only of the en-
jjriity that Chrifi himfelf p^uld have to Satan ,
and doth not engage a General without an army^
Cjod doth here exprejly mention the woman her
felfy fnying [^ I will put enmity between thee and
the woman 3 fo that as jhe flood in athreefoldre-
fpeSi ; fhi is here her felf pojfejjcd with this three-
fold enmity, i. As Jhe ts the root of humane
nature^ fromwhence all mankind mufl Ipring^ Jhe is
pojfefl with the natural enmity to the diabolical
nature , and this to be naturally conveyed or pro*
pagated* 2* Ai [l^e was the root of the great
Republick^ of the world , or 'that rational fociety
which God as ReEhor would fapienttally govern ,
and her fef with her hi^^sband ( who no doubt was
alfo included in the promtfe ) were the whole then
exiflent race of mankind^ fo did Jlie receive a le-
gal enmity of obligation^ which Jlie was traditio-
nally to deliver down to all her pofleriiy , being
her felf hereby obliged to liji her felf and all her
Infant progeny in the Redeemers army^ again Ji
the proclaimed enemy , and to teach her poflerity
to do the like : For thm obligatory precepts mujt
be
(95)
be broH^ht dow^. 3. j4s pe Wits one of the cho*
ftn favourites of Godj (he received the habitual en^
wiry of fand:tjication : And thu u -not m her
poxv(r to propagate^ though file may nfe fome rne an s
that are appointed thereto , and whether a promt fe
of any fnch thing be made to her feed on the ufe
of JHch means , 7 will not novo jtand to dtfcuf,
8. It PS not all that are pofftjjcd with the natu^
ral enmity againfl the Devil himjelf that are the
Church of Chrifl : For this is but a common pre^
piirative which is tn all : Nor u it all that are
obliged to the further enmity again fi the work^ of
Satan : But all that on that obligation are diiely
lifled in Chrtfis army againfl Satan ( by the obli-
ged per [on ) are vifible members : and all that are
by fanUifcation at an heart) enmity (habitual or
aElual ) With the Kingdom of Satan , are mem^
bers of the Church called my ft teal or inviftble.
This I put as gra?ned, 9. Thofe that violate this
fundamental obligation^ and to their natural pr a-
vity jJiall add a fighting againfl Chrifl and his
Kingdom for Satan and his Kingdom , are be-
come themfelves the feed of the Serpent, And
though they had the natural enmity with therefl
of mankind in general againfl Satan ^ yet have
they therewithal the habitual enmity againfl
Chrifl. This much I fiippofe as out of controvert
fie. But whether alfo the frfl original corrupted
nature it fclf ( before any fin againfl recovering
grace ) did contain an habitual enmity againfl
the Kingdom of the Redeemer ? Or whether the
fins of later Parents may propagate this as an ad-
ditional corruption m our nature^ I will not now
ftand
(96)
fland to difcuf. Only as to our frefint bn/inefi ,
it is certain that the general natural enmity to
Satan^ may confijl with an habitual frien'^jhip to
his ways and caitfe. And though as men they
may have the firfi common advantage of nature ,
and as [uhjeBs de jure may be under the common
obligation y yea , and as lifted in Chrifts army
may have many of its privi ledges 5 yet for the
enmity of difpofnion to Chrifts they may be under
a greater curfd 10. As it is certain^ that it
is not only Chrift htmfelf that is here made the
vbjeB of this pro'mife , and is here called \_ the
feed of the woman, ~| (as is before proved^ and
may be more^ and is commonly granted-^ ) fo it is
to be notedy that thofe others in whom this enmi-
ty is put , are called here [ the feed of the wo-
man, 3 and not the feed of Chrift ( though the
chief of them are his feed, ) And fo though the
promife is made to none but the woman s jeed ,
and no exception put in againft Infants , or any
age of all her feed : TiJl you can prove that In*
fants are none of her feed , we muft take this
fundamental promife to Extend to Infants , and
that very plainly ^ without uftng any violence with
the Text,
1 1 . Some learned men do ufe no contemptible ar-
guments to prove further y That the fan&ifying en-
mity is here promifed to the feed of the woman
as her feed ( I mean thofe that go the way of
Dr. Ward , (Lpkfr. Bedford , ^r. ) that is ,
that as the two former forts of enmity are put
into all the feed of the woman ( as is explain-
id ) fo the fpiritual holy enmity promifed to her
feed
<97)
feed as jhe is a believer. IZ. And fome learned
men do accordingly conclude^ that the iwpety of
Tarents may do much to hinder their children
from that ble^fing more than by original fin
they were hindred , and therefore their faith
may further thcr/:. Of which though much may
be fuid , / jlmll fiy no more , bccaufe I will not
fland on things fo much cjuefi toned,
M. T. This tedious difcourlc of Mr. L. is indeed fcr-
pentive —
Refly. They that need a Reply to any thing
here (aid, Ihall have none trom me.
Sj1v„. 1. yv±-.l X»
R. B. T Come next to p'ove from other parts of
JL Scripture , That the fundamental pro^
wife of Grace is thi^ to be interpreted as inclu^
ding Infants, i. If the fayne Covenant of grace
when It is more fully and clearly opened , ^</ ex-
prefly comprehend Infants as to be Church-mem-
bers^ then is this fundamental promife fo to be un-
derflood ( or then doth this alfo comprehend them, )
But the antecedent is certain , therefore fo is the
confequent. The antecedent I prove from the
Covenant of grace made to Abraham the Father
of the faithful , which comprehended Infants for
Church-members : The (Covenant made with Abra-
ham comprehending Infants , was the fame with
this in Gen. 3. but in fome things clearlier open-
ed, Which is proved thus : Both thefe were the
Cyueumt of grace and free jiifiification by faith
H in
in the Redeemer y therefore they were the fame.
For there is hut one fach. If Abraham had fomc
special pronufcs additional to the main Covenanty
that makes not the Covenant of free \uftf cation
by faith to he divers. That this in Gen. 3 . is
the fromife or Covenant of grace and free jafit"
ficatton is not denied ^ that I know of* That the
-promife to Abraham was the fame , ix evident
from Rom. 4. 10^ II, 12, 13, 14. I. It is there
exprejly manifefij that the Covenant whereof Cir-
cumcifion was to Abraham the fcal, was the Cove*
nant of free jiiflification by faith ^ Circumcifoiz
it felf being a feat of the righteoufne^ of faith
which Abxdhim had y yet being uncircitr/icifed ^
Wat he might be the fttihcf of belie vers , &c,
2 . Tea the promife that he fJwiild he heir of the
world was not mads to Abraham or to his feed
through the LaWy but through the right eonfnefs of
faith, . Now it is certain that this Covenant feat-
ed hy Circnmcifion and made to Abraham and hi^
feedy did comprehend Infants, The confequence of
the major then is ^ evident ^ that the fame promife ,
e X pre Jfcd more concifely^ is to be expounded by the"
fime expreffcd more jidly : And it is acknowledged
that the Gojpel light and grace was to he mantfefi
by certain degrees.
■ Mr. r. Tliat the fi;?}-:I.imcnt2l Promife of Grace, Gen,':,,
i<. doth include Infants, vvJ? never denied by me , and
tlicrefore Mr. ?„ doth but wafie p^i^er and abufe rae and
Ills Readers by going about to prove rr.-
Reply, If we be really of one rainci, it is pitty
we fhould make men think we differ: Mark thisi
conccjjhn Ilcider , [ The fmidamemal promife of
Urace'
(99)
Grace doth include Infants. ~] The Grace of that
promife is our Vnion Relative to Chrifl and his
Church , and the benefits internal and external
belonging to Chrills menibers. Do you believe
that our union with the vifible Church as fuch ,
and participation in its priviledges , is none of
that Grace ?
Mr. T. rh's 1 deny, that it includts all Iv.ftnts, or all In-
j.vits of Bslievtrs, and that any Pif.tnt is made a zifi'ok
Church-member by that promife .rs the next caafe or foh ifji-
i.ient, ]
Ke^ly. It will come to fomethlng anon : i. That
all Infants are made Church-members by it , did
any of us ever affirm ? Though if the Parents dif-
fent had nothindred, and their confent had made
them and their Infants capable Recipients , ic
would' have been all.
2. The Covenant or Law of Grace giveth vi^
fihle Chnrch-memberflnp conditionally to all that
hear it. Deny this, and you know not what you
do. I firft ask you, Doth not the Law of Grace
\ or Fromife ) give both myflical and vifible
Church-memberfhip to all that hear it that are at
age and have the ufe of Reafon > (1 fpeak not of
memberfhip in a particular C-hurch which fomc
may want opportunity to enjoy, but in the uni-
verfal, ) Deny this, and you deny Chrifls Go-
fpel. Doth he not fay , He that believeth and is
baptiz^ed fhall be faved : whoever believeth fiiall
not peri fi] whoever will-, let him take the
water of life freely : He that cometh to rr^e I
Will in no Wife cafi out : Go into the high-ways
^nd hedges^ and compel them to ccme in^ dec. If
H 7. Gods
( loo )
Gods Law, Covenant, Promife or Donation
( call it which you had rather ) do contain a con-
ditional Gift of Chrift, pardon and life to all the
adult, f which ic befeemeth none but an Infidel
to deny , ) ask thy Confcience, Reader, whether
this bleficd Covenant give no fuch conditional
right to any I/jfafit in the world ? Are tjiey all
excluded ? And why ? Are they worfe than tdeir Pa-
rents? If it give any Right to Infants conditionally as
it doth to Parents.it muft be on a condition to be per-
formed by the Parents, or fuch as are fo far entntfted.
Mr. T/s talking of [ the next canfe, and the fole
efficient ] feem to me the words of a man that
knew not what to fay, but was refolved that he
would not yield : Sir, do yoa grant that the pro-
mife maketh Infants vifible Church-members , as
any caitje^ next or remvte^ fole or cooperating f ]
If nor, why cheat you your fimple followers by
this talk? If you do, we are agreed, and why con-
tend you ? If Logical notions are our difference,
fay fo •, I think as it is a Beneficial Kelationy the
Tar cms confcnr and dedication^ and the childs being
Their Sy are the di/pojttio ryjatcrniy called by fome
caMfa:, Rcceptwx vel difpoftivcc : and that Gods
donation is the fole efficient in which his dona-
tive word ("call it what you will j is the Inftru-
ment : This is plain Logick. But you thas pro-
M% that your Church-membcrfhip is it felf no
b?nenc (and fo owe God no thanks for it, and
yet make fuch a ftir about it) cannot indeed
hold, that Gods love or mercy, or Chriils me-
riis, or the Covenant or Promife ar^ givers of
it to young or old •. For they give nothing hm
benefits.
benefits. Be not angry to have your abfiK-duies
opened,but before you die be fober and reform ihcm.
He addcth [ I gra>it that, tk Cnvs'jaut to Abraham rr'.-r.c
the covsiunt of Evangel leal Grace , though mlxt, and that it
did inrAude Infants-^ and that they -were Church-mmbers^ tn
wit, of the invifible Church of the Elect — And that
Abrahams Infants in his houfe were vifihle Churrh-me?KberSy
, but not by venue of the Covenant barely as Evavgelical^ but
'i by the tranfeuKt fact : and if in any refpuf by virtue of the
■■^ Covenant, it was by it as cnitaining hoa'hold or civil
^V promifesj rather than Evangelical,
Reply. About 23 and 24 years of age T was
my fdf in doubt of Infant Bapiifm : But had I
read fuch a Writer as ih\s agai/ifi it^ I think he
would have eafily refolved rne for it. i. 77?^
Covenant to Abrahams farruly w^j a Covenant of
^Evangelical Grace ^ he faith, ( And furcly fo was
that to z^darriy and Noe before. ) And it inclu-
ded Infants , but only as EUcl in the Qonrch 1%:-
vifihle. But I he conditional Promife or Cove-
nant is confeft to include the Non-elcEh at age :
And what I ISlcne of them in Infancy f Reader ,
How canrhis be called a Covenant, tor God only
to fay [_Jxvillfave all fuch Infants 04 I elcH: _]
and yet cfFer Silvacion to none of them in tie
world on any condition , nor give a tirie to any
perfon that can be known by themfelves or others?
They confound the Decree of Gcd with his Co-
venant. If God had made no other Law, Pro-
mife or Covenant, with the adult, but V J will
•;. fave whom I will five ~\ who would have rak*en
i this for a Law or Covenant? And what right or
hope doth this give to Chriftians for their Chi!-
. dren more than Pvagans ?
H 3 Ai:;d
( 102)
And, Reader, if God have given no condition
or charader antecedent, as a differencing reafoft
or qualification of thofe that he mil fave from
thofe that he will not , but only told us that he
will favewhom he lift, this makeih Infants no/^^-
jeUs of his Kingdom, under no Law , and fo lia-
ble to no judgement, nor to ftand in judgement
with the reft of the world, but only tu be ufed
as beafts or ftones, by Divine natural motion as
he will. And then, how can you fay that any
Infants fliall be damned, or not faved ? Or that
it fhall be one of a raillion at leaft that (hall
not } For if there be no Law that giveth Right
to Pardon and Salvation to any one Infant in the
world, and yet many are Lved , it will follow,^
I. That God is fas the prophane hy ) better
than his word, and will fave many to whom he
never gave right to it by promife. 2. And will
not the ungodly pur in for the like hopes ? If be-
fides thofe that Gods Laws condemn or juftifie,
God will fave many in a neutral ftate, why may
he not, faith the ungodly, fave me alfo ? for In-
fants once deferved puniftimcnt by original fin:
And if God pardon them without any reafon in'
themfelves, he may do fo by me. 3. Or at leaft"
he may fave all the Infants in the world for.
ought you know, that die '\n Infancy.
And do all thepromifes to the feed of the//f^V/;-
fuly in the fecond Commandment, and Exod, 34.
7. and many another Text, mean no fuch thing as
they fpeak, as if to be the ktd of the faithfnl were
no condition^ but only [_ I vpillfave my ele^i / J
And '
^ And why might not this Covenant ["_ I willfave
my Eleli ] be made with C^irt^ or Cham^ or J^i-
da^^ as well as with Abraham ?
2. He faith 5 Abrahms Infants wen vlfible Chiirch-:?:^^'
kersj but not by the d-npsnavt' baidy ^s Ez'.vjgeflcM,']
Reply, What a hare put . off is thar , of a man
that muft fay fomething ? Is it at all by the CetT-
fiant 06 Evangelical ? If yea, we have our defirf.
If not, what meancth \_harely'] but the nakedne(s
of your ill caufe ?
3. Tlicn confRth next f And if in .ivy re 'peel by viV'
tne of the Cmf?iaKt ( vvhicli" it fcciiieth lie yet knowctli
not after all this talk, or will not know 3 it wjs by it as
cor.tjilning hoii<j^)old or ci-jil promifiS , rather thafi Evangeli-
cal. ]
Reply, See, Reader, fomcmoreof the myfterie :
Infants were Church-member^ in Abrabana
houfe, but Church-memberfhip fignificd but hou^
jlwld and civil promifes : Do you now perceive
v/hat the Jews Infant Church-memberfhip was ?
The Socinians perhaps will (ay the like of the
Jews Covenant to the adult.
But we may yet miftake him , For [^ rather ~\
is not a negative ; It is V Rather than Evangdi-
cai J which is but a preference^ not a denial. O
for plain honefty in things divine 1
H 4 SECT.
(IG4)
SECT. L.
R.B.
2,*"^^ Hat the fir fi fundamental promife ii
i thus to be interpreted , / further
f'r'OVe by Gods confiant ad'^nni^r ation in the
performance of it. Concerning which I do make
this challenge to you (with modefiy and fubmijfi-
on, ) to prove if you can, that there was ever one
Church'T/iembcr that had Inf^ints born to him
while he was in that efiate^ from the beginning
of the world to this day^ whofe Infants alfo were
not Churc.h'P?embcrs / Except only the Anaba-
ptifisj who refufe or deny the mercy , and fo re-
fufe to dedicate their Jnfants in Baptifm unta
Chrifl. And whether -their Infants be Church'
members, 1 will not determijie ajjirmativeiy or ne-
gatively at this time. I do again urge you to it^
that you may not forget it •, to prove to me^ that^
ever there was one Infant of a Church-member
in the world, fnc-e the creation to this day , that
was not a Church-member , ( except the Anaba-
ptifls that refufe the mercy or deny it, )
Reply. Mr» T/s A^^vveris a retufingco anAver,
fave a crof> challenge (' oft anfwered ) and the
inftance of Timothy : To which I iay, that if Ti-
mothys Father being a Greek countermanded his
communion with the Jews , he could not be a
member of their policie or particular Church*
( Though if he only delayed as ^J^ofes did to
arcumcife his Son, that Son might be a member
2s the children in the wildernefs were, ) But his
Mothers
Mothers right alone might make him a perfon in
Covenant with God as a vifible member of the
Church-univerfal.
S E C T. L I.
R, B. "VyEfore I proceed to any more Texts of
JJ Scrifture , / mil a little enquire in-
to the light or Lava of Nature it felf j and fee
what that faith to the point in hand. And fir fl
we fliall confider of the duty of dedicating Infants
to God in Chrifi'y and next of Cods acceptance of
them , and entertaining them into that eft ate,
jind the frfl is mofi evidently contained in the
Law of nature it felf ( at leaft upon fuppofttion
that there he any hopes of Gods entertaining
them ; ) which I prove thm* I. The law of Na-
ture hindeth m to give to every one his own due :
But Infants are Gods own due ^ Ergo , the law
rf Nature hindeth Parents to give them up to
God. By \^ gi'^i'^^g 1 ^^^^ ^ mean not an aliena-
tion of propriety^ to make that to he Gods that was
not Jo hefore •, hut an acknowledgement of his
right ^ with a free refignation and dedication of
t e Infant to God, a^ his own ^ for his ufe andfer-
vice^ when he is capable thereof. If you fay^ In-
fants heing not capable of doing fervice ^ fwuld
71 ot he devoted to it till they can do it ^ / an-
fwer J they are capable at pre font of a legal cblir
gation to future duty , and alfo of the relation
which followeth that obligation^ together with the
honour of a Church'menjb(r(a^ the child of a Noble
man
Cio6)
Tfjan is of his Honours and titU to his Inheri"
tance ) and many other mercies of the Covenant*
And though (^hrift according to his humanity
fvas not capable of doing the worh of a cJHedi-
atoror head of the Church in his Infancy ^ yet for
all that he muft bt head of the Church then^ and
not ( according to this arguing ) ft ay till he were
cafable of doing thofe work^. And fo is it with
his members.
Re fly. Here is fo little faid that needs but this
remarke, that Mr. T. knoweth not how toj;deny the
duty of dedication handfomly , which being Ac-
cepted of God is to Church-memberfliip as pri-
vate Marriage to publick, where pubh'cation is
wanting : But he denieth that Parents may dedi-
cate them by 'Bafttfm : But if they may and muft
do it -privately by heart confent , it will follow
that they muft do it publickly in the inftitutcd
way. As for my bold attempt in proving fo much
by the Law of Nature , if he cannot confute it,
let him not ftrive and fin againft jiature.
S E C T. L I L
R. B. 2.^'T^Helavp of nature bindeth all Parents
X to do their befi to fecure Cods right ^
and their Childrens good, and to prevent their
fin and mifery : But to engage them betimes to
God by fuch a dedication , doth tend to fecure
Gods right, and their Childrens good, and to pre-'
vent their fin and mifery •' For they are under a
double obligation, which they may he minded of be-
times.
( lO'-j)
times J and which may hold them the wore firo?jg-
ly to their duty , and difadvantage the tempter
that would draw them ojf from God,
Mr. r. Really Infant Bapufm is a difadvantage , i. In
that it is the occafion whereby they take tliemlelves to
be Chriftians afore tliey know what Chriftianity is, and fo
ave kept in prcfumptioHj &c, 2. They are kept from the
true baptifm, &c.
Reply, This nearly concerneth our caufe : I
once inclined to thefe thoughts my felf : But I am
fatisfied, i. That Infant Covenanting and Baptifm
is no hindrance in Nature or Reaibn from fer-
fonal [erioii4 Covenanting with God at age. Wc
tell our Children and all the adult, that their In-
fant Covenanting by Parents, will ferve them but
till they have Re^.fon and Will of their own to
choofe for themfelves; And that without as fe-
rious a faith and confent of their own then as if
they had never been baptized, they cannot befa-
ved : What hurt then as to this doth their In-
fant intereft do them ?
2. Yea doubtlefs it is a great help: For, i. To
be in the way of Gods Ordinance and Benedidion
is much. 2. And ( knowing you deny that ) I
add , to be confcious of an early engagement ,
may do much to awe the minds of Children ;
yea and to caufe them to love that Chrift which
hath received them , and that Society to which
they belong.
3. If Children till Baptized have any thoughts of
dying, according to you, they mufl: have little
hopes of mercy : And God accounteth not the
fpirit of bondage beft , no not for Children.
They cannot well be educated in the Love of
God,
(io8)
God, who muft believe that they are damned if
they die, and that God hath not given them an^y
promife of hfe.
4. Experience of many Moors ( fervants )
among us and in our Plantations, ( befides ancient
hiftory) aflureth us, that delaying Baptifm till age
tcndeth to make people delay repentance, and think
I am but as I was, and if I fin longer all will be
pardoned at baptifm, and I muft after live ftridlier,
and therefore ( as Confla77tine and many more )
they will be baptized Chriftians when there is no
remedy.
5« And experience afllireth us that it were the
way to work out Chriftianity and reftore Infide-
lity in any Nation : For had not Chrift early
po/Teffion , and were not Nations difcipled and
baptized, Chriftians were like to be almoft as thin
as Puritans now : and the muhitude being Infidels
from a crofs intereft ( fuch as divifions caufe )
would be ready on all occafions ( as they did in
Japan and Monicongo ) to root them out.
I take this to be a very concerning confidera-
tion, whether in reaion Infant Baptifm be like to
do more good or harm. The not calling men tofe-
rious Covenanting at age doth ynfpeakablcharm :
To have a few good words about Confirmation in
the Liturgie, and fuch as Dod. Hammonds wri-
tings of it, will not fave ignorant ungodly fouls,
nor the fouls of the Paftors that betray them : I
have faid my thoughts of this long ago in a Trea-
tife of Confirmation.
But I muft profefs that it feemeth to me, that
if Chrift had left it to our wills, it is much liker
to
to tend to tlie good of fouls , and the propaga-
ting Ghriftianity, and the ftrength of the Church,
for to have both the obligation and comfort of ohr
Infmt Covenant and Church ftate, and as feriom
a Covenanting alfo at age ^ when we pafsinto the
Chhrch fiate of the Adult ^ than to be without the
former , and left to the expedation of adult ba-
ptifm alone.
SECT. LIII, toLVIIL
R. B. nr^He law of nature bindeth Tarents in
X love to. their children to enter them
into the nwfi honourable and profitable fociety^ if
they have bnt leave fo to do : But here Tarents
have leave to enter them into the Church , which
u the mofi honourable and profitable fociety. Er-
go. That they have leave ^ is proved^ i. Godne-m
ver forhad any 7nan in the world to do this fin*
cerely^ ( the wicked and unbelievers cannot do it
fmcerely ; ) and a not forbidding is to be interpret
ted as leave in cafe of [uch farticipation of be-
nefits : jis all laws of men in donbtful cafes are
fo he interpreted y^T drheiKaa^y in the moft favoH*
table fenfe» So hath Chrtfi tnyght us to inter-
pret his own : When they jpeak of duty to God ,
they miift be interpreted in the flrithfi fenfe:
When they Jpeak^of benefits to man^ they mufi be
interpreted in the mofi favourable fenfe that they
will bear,
z. It is the wore evident ^ that a not forbid-
ding in fuch cafes is to be taksrt for have , be-
coitfs
(no)
caiife God hath fut the principle of fe If -prefer va-^
tion^ a?id de firing our ovpn welfare^ and the wel-
fare of our (^htldren fo deeply in humane nature y
that he can no more lay it by than he can ceafi
to be a reafonable creature. And therefore he
may lawfully aUnate or exercife this natural ne^
ceffary principle of feeking his own or childrens
real happinefi , where-ever God doth not reflrain
or prohibit him. We need no pofitive co?nmand
to feek^Gur own or childrens happinefy but what
is in the law of nature it felfj and to nfe this
where' God forbiddeth not^ if good be then to be
founds cannot be unlawful.
3. It PS evident from wh^t is f aid before (and
elfewhere ) that it is more than a filent leave
of Infants Church-memberjlnp that God hath
*vouchfafed tts. For in the forementioned funda^
mental promife ^ explained more fully in after
timeSy God figmfied his will that fo it Jhould be^
Jt cannot be denied^ but there is fome hope at leafi
given to them in the firfi promife , and that in
the general promife to the feed of the woman they
are not excluded^ there be no excluding term.
'Upon fo much encouragement and hope then it is
the duty of Parents by the law of nature to enter
their Infants int{) the Crvenanty and into that fo*
ciety that partake of thefe hopes , and to lift them
into the Army of Chrifl,
4. It is the duty of Parents by the Law of Na^
ture J to accept of any allowed or offered benefit
for their children. But the relation of a member
of Chrifis Church or Army ^ is an allowed or of"
fered benefit to them, Ergo^ d:c. Fcr the Major,
thefi
thefe frincifles in the law of nature do contain if »
I. That the Infant is not fui juris, but ts at his
Tarents dijpofe in all things that are for his good*
That the Parents have power to oblige their chiU ^
dren to any future duty or fuffering , that is cer^
tainly to their own good : andfo may enter them
into Covenants accordingly : And fo far the wid
ofjhe father is as it were the will of the child.
2« That it is unnaturally finful for a Parent to
refufe to do fuch a things when it is to the great
benefit of his own child* As if a Prince would
offer Honours, and LordjJups , and Immunities to
htm and his heirs : if he Will not accept this for his
heirs^ but only for himfelf it is unnatural, Tea^
if he will not oblige his heirs to fome fmall and
reafonablc conditions for the enjoying fuch benefits,
for the Minor, that this relation ts an allowed or
offered benefit to Infants is manifefted already^
and more jhall be.
And thts I "ads me i,p to the fccond point, which
I propounded to confider of-^ whether by the light
or law of nature we can prove that Infants
fiwuld have the benefit of being Church-members,
fuppofing it firfl known by fupernatural revelatt-
on, that Parents are of that fociety, and how ge*
neral the promife is , and how gracious God is.
And I . It is certain to tis by nature that Infants
are capable of this benefit , if Cjod deny it not ,
but will give it them as well as the aged, z,It is
certain that they are ad:ually members of all the
Common-wealths in the world (perfedte fed im-
perfed:a membra ) being fecured from violence
b^ the laws, and capable of hono}ir5 and right to in-
heritances.
(I12j
heritancesy nnd of being real fab jeBs under oblU
gations to JHiHre duties , if they furvive* And
this Jlievps that they are alfo capable of being
Chnrch-r/jeTTiberSy and that nature revealeth to us^
that the Infants cafe much follorveth the cafe of
the Parents J efpecially in benefits. 3. Nature hath
aciually taught moft feofle on earth , fo far a^ I
can iearn^ to repute their Infants in the fame Re^
ligi,om fociety -with themfelves^ a^ well as in the
fame civil fociety. 4. Vnder the Covenant of
vporkj ( commonly fo called) or the perfect rigo-
ropi6 law that God made With man in his pure
nature •, the Infants fhould have been in the
Churchy and a people holy to Cod , // the Parents
had fo continued themfelves. And confider ,
I, Ihat holinef and righteoufnef were then the
fame things as now^ and that in the efiahltfhing
of the way of propagation^ God was no more obli-
ged to order it foy that the children of righteous
parents jhould have been born with all the per-
fecitons of their Parents and enjoyed the fame
priv I ledges , than he was obliged in making the
Covenant of Grace to grant that Infants jhould
be of the fame fociety with their Parents , and
have the immunities of that fociety, • 2, We have
no reafon when the defign of redemption is the
magnifying of love and grace^ to thinks that love
and grace are fo much lefi under the Gofpel to the
members of Chrift , than under the Law to the
members or feed of Adam , 04 that then all the
feed fljould have partaked with the fame bleffings
with the righteom Parents, and now theyjhallali be
turnedout of the fociety f whereof the Parents were
mem-*
members. 5. God gives fu hmfelf the reafons of
hu gr adopts dealing with the children ofihe jnfl
from his graciom nature , proclaiming even par-
doning mercy to flow thence^ Exod. 34. and in
the fecond Commandment, 6. God doth yet fliexv
m that in many great and weighty rc^eBs he
dealeth well or til with children for their Parents
fakes: as many Texts of Scrip are fiew (and I
have lately f roved at large in one of otir private
difpHtes 5 that the fins of tjearer parents are tm^
futed as part of our original or natural guilt. )
So much of that.
Reply, Mr. T. faith nothing to all, that I think
the Reader needeth a reply to.
SECT. LVIII,
R. B. ^KTEt before I cite any more particular
X Texts , / will add this one argument
from the tenour of the Covenant of grace ^ as ex^
prejjed in many Texts of Scripture. <iAccording
to the tenour of the Covenant of grace ^ God will
not refuse to be their God ani take them for his
peopUy that are ( in a natural or law fcnfe ) wil"
ling to be his people , and to take him for their
God, But the Infants of believing Parents are
thus willing y Ergo. Tfse Major is unqueftionable^
The Minor isprovedfrom the very law of nature be-
fore exprejfed. Infants cannot be aiiually willing
themfelves in natural fenfe^ Ergo, the reafon and
will of another mufl be thetrs in law fenfe^and that is
of the Parents f who have the full dijfofe of thepj,
I • and
and arc vq if ranted by the law of nature to choofc
for then} (for their good ) till they come to life
of re af on themfelves. The Farents therefore by
the light and lave of nature choofing the better
fart for their children, and offering and devoting
them to God J by the obligation of his own natu-
ral law 5 he cannot in confifiency with the free
grace revealed in the Gojpely refufe thofe that are
fo offered. And thofe that thpu come to him
in the way that nature it felf jfrefcnbeth , he
will in no wife caft onf^ Joh. . . And he will
he offended with thofe that would kjep them from .
him^ that are offered by thofe that have the fower
to do ity though they cannot offer themfelves. For
legally this aU is taken for their own. Thm I
have jhewed yon fome of the fundamental title
that Infants of Believers have to Church mem-
berfjip^ and our obligation to dedicate them to God,
Reply. Mr. T. faith \_ that fome a5is of the Pa*
rents are legally taken for the childs is not deni-
ed. ~\ But here he denieth it, and I leave his de-
nial -vi.h my copious proof in my Treatifeof In-
fanr-baptifm to the Readers.
' — ' g" — ■— '
SECT. LIX.
R. B. ^"^TOu mufi now in reafonexpefiy that in*
JL fants Church-memberfuip being thm
efiablifjedy partly tn the Uw of nature^ and part^
iy in the fundamental prcmife^ what ts after this
fpok^n of it fijould not be any new efiablifhment ,
but con frm At ions and mt inflations of what vpas be-
fore
frre done^ rather giving m the f^obf that fuch a
lavp and fromife there is that did Jo efiablijli it,
than being fuch firft eftablijliing laws or fromtfes
thewfelves, ^nd from hence I may vpell add
this further argument. If there be certain froof
in Scripture of Infints Church- memberflnf , but
none except this bcforz alledged that mak^s any
mention of the beginning cf it , but all jpeaking
of it as no nevp thing , then we have great reafon
upon the forementioned evidence^ to ajftgn this be*
ginni?:g which from Gen. 3. we have exprefi»
But the former is true^ ergo, the later. Ton con-
fef that Infa?Jts were. Church-members once. Ton
only conceive it began when Abraham was called
out of Ur. Tour conceit hath not a word to fup*
port It in the Text, The right to fuch a blef"
fing was then new to Abrahams y^f ^5 when Khx^'•
ham frft believed : But when it began to belong
to Infants of Believers in general ^ no Text ex-
cept this before cited doth mention. Nor doth
that fromife to Abraham intimate any inception
then as to the Church-memberfhip of Infants, but
only an application of a priviledge to him that in
the general wa< no new thing.
Reply, To this Mr. T, ftill affirmeth that Infants
Church-memberfhip was proper to the Hebrews
only. Reader, though they had their peculiari-
ties, is it credible that the Infants of that one
fmall country only fhould be fo differently dealt
with by Cod, from all the world eife, even He^
mch'Sy Noe's , Sem*s and all from ^dam to the
end of the world , that thefe Infants only fhould
be Church-members and no others!' what un-
I 2 likely
(ii6)
likely things ( yea againft evidence ) can fome
believe ?
SECT. LX,LXI, LXII.
R. B. XT O W for the Texts that further inti-
1^\ mate fnch a foregoing efiablijhment,
I . There feems to he fome believing intimation of
this in Adams naming his vpife the mother of the
living : For it is to be noted what Bijhop Iflfher
faith y Annal. vol. i. p. 2. Unde turn primum
( poft femenpromifTum^ mulieri Evae nomenama-
rito elt impofirum , Gen. 3 . 20. quod mater efTet
omnium viventium non naturalem tantum vitam,
fed illud quoque quod eft per fidera in femen ip-
fius, Meffiam promiiTum : quomodo & poft earn
Sara fidelium mater eft habita, i Pet. 3, 6. Gal.
4. 3 1 . J He pi4t this name on her after the fromife^
hecaufe fie was to be the mother of all the livings
not only that live the life of nature , but that
which is by faith in the ^JMe^iah her feed. So '
that 06 fje was the root of our nature , we are
her natural feed -^ and 06 flje was a believer^ and
we the feed of her a believer ^ fo is fje the mo-
ther of a holy feedj and we that are her feed are
holy^ 06 a people vifibly dedicated to God.
2. When Cain was born^ his mother called him
C p^Jf^ffion ~\ becaufe jJje had obtained a ' man of
the Lordy that isy faith Ainfworth, \ with his fa-
vour^ and of his good will ^"\ and fo a Son of pro -^
mifey and of the Church. And therefore it is to
be noted ^ that when Cain had finned by killing -
his
,
Cii7)
his brother^ God did curfe him , afid cafl him out
of his frefence^ Gen. 4. 14, 16. So that he was
excommunicate and fefarated from the Church of
Cod^ faith K\n{vjou\\^ \_that ts^ from the place of
Cods word and worfliip which in likelihood was
held by AisLva the father y who being a Prophet y
had taught his children how to facrtfice andferve
the Lord, So on the contrary^ to come into Cods
prefence or before him ^ 1 Chron. 16. 29. ts ex-
plained in Pfal. 96. 8. to be the coming into hts
Courts, ~\ Very many learned men give the fume
expofition of it. Now if Cain were now excom-
municate, then wa6 he before of the Church : nay
it is certain by his Jacrificing , and other proof y
however this Text be interpreted : But no man
can give the leaft reafon from Scripture to make
it fo probable that he entred into the Church at any
other time J as we give of his entrance at his na-
tivity.
When Eve bare Seih, ^je fo named hiw m a Son
of mercy in faith, as appointed her by the Lord
to be tn Abels room^ faithful as Abel , and the
father of our Lord after the fejJ) , as Ainfwonh
on Gen. 4. 25. j^ndis there no intimation in tlus
that Seth wo/S an Infant member of the vifible .
Church ^ J confej? he that Jljail excommunicate this
appointed feed , or faith , that Scth was without
the Church in his infancy^ doth Jpeak^ in my ears
fo improbably^ and fo unlike the Scripture , that
I am very confident I jhall never believe him,
Mr.r-'s AnfwertoalU is a denial : faith he, [Tfhiefs
vo ir.tl'futlon iiu!; Seth rt>as an Injmt mmhcr of the viji-
hlc Chijch •-, from which Ifhmacl w.rs rioi excluded: In
I 2 -■•■-
(ii8)
vph/ch though I ph:e jwt Seth, I do not thmby excommm^'
eate htm, or f:iy that hs was nithoat the Church in his IH-
fancy.
Reply, But you fay He was vcithoHt the vifihle
Chnrch : ( orelfe within and without are confiftent
with you. } And whether Ijhmael was within, and
Sethy and Henoch , and Sem without , I will no
more difpute with you.
SECT. LXIII, to LXX. j
R. B. 1^T^**<? ^Ifi t ^^^^ ^ God hadthm cafi
J_\| out C^ln^ a?7dfHpplied AbeU room by
Seth, a?2d had given each of them poflertty -^ fi
Vife find him in a ^fecial manner regiflring'th'6
fnccejfors of the righteom^ and putting two titles ^.
on thcfe two diftintl generations^ calling fome the
fons of Godj and others the daughters of men ,
Gen.6» 2. Suppofing that yon rejeSl the old con-
ceits that thefe fons of God were Angels that fcH .
in love with women^ the current ordinary expo-^ ^
ftion I thinks will ftand^ that thefe were the prO'
geny of Seth , and other rremhers ef the Church ,
who are called the Sons of God -^ and that it was
the progeny of Cain, and other wicked, ones^ that
are called the daughters of men. Where note that
they are not themfelves denominated wicj^d, bnt
the children of men^ 04 being a generation fepa-
rated from the Church from the birth. And the
other are not themfelves affirmed to be truly gcd^ '
iy ones, but fons of God , a^ being the feed of the
Saints not cafi out, bnt members of the Churchy or
the
the forts of thofe vpho were devoted to God , and
fo devoted to him themfelves : a feparated gene-
ration belonging to God as his vifhle Church,
Where note^ that thefe that are called the fans of
Gody even the line of Seth and other godly Va-
rents^ were yet fo wicked that God repe/ited that
he made them ^ and deftroyed them in the fleody
(paring only Noah and his family. So that it
was not their own godlinef, that made them cal-
led the fans of God , hut their relation , Church
ftate and vifiblc feparation from open itnchnrchcd
Idolaters, (Compare this vhrafe with the likf^ Deur.
14. I. 2 Cor. 6. 18. In the former it is faid
[^ ye are the children cf the Lord your God, ye
ihall not cut your felves, &c, \ where the whole
feople^ Inf^ts and ally are called Gods children^
OA" being a people feparated to him fron'i the Idc-
Icitrotis world •, and fo in the next verf. called a
holy people unto God , peculiar to him , Grc,
Arid 2 Cor. 6, 8. Come out from among them ,
and be ye feparare, c^c, and I will be a father to
you, and you ffiall be my fons and daughters,
faith the Lord Almighty. ~] So that Gods fans
and daughters are that fociety that are feparated
from Idolaters unto the worfliip of God as the vi-
fihle Church is. And then it appears that the ge-
neration of the righteotts ^ even from the won^h ^
were enumerated to the rejl^ in that they are
not mentioned as a people called out here
and there y arid initiated at age ( there is no men-
tion of any fuch thing : ) but as a flock;, or gene-
ration oppufed to the daughters of rnen^ or of the
unchurched y 'whv were fuch from thcir^nf^ncy
I 4 as
(I20)
as all will grant. For it was not the fame men
that were the Parents ef thofe here called the
danghtcrs of men and the fons of God ( though
fame of the later might be excomwtinicate when
they fell : ) But tt plainly intimates , that it was
another fort of men that thefe were the daughters
of J than thofe that were Parents to the fons of
God, So Ainfworth in loc. \^The fons of God ^
i.e. the men of the Church of God^ for to fuch
Moks faith ^ Dtut. 14. i, dec. i John 3. i.
Daughters of men , meaning of Cains pofierity-
that were out of Gods Churchy Gen. 4. 14. U So
our Annotations^ and many more*
An intimation of this pri'viledge^ and that they
were fons of mercy and of the promt fe , appear eth
in the very names of many of the chHdren of the
righteomj hoth before and after the flood, which
J will not (land on par-tic alar ly.
And when all the world had fo defiled them-
felves , that Gad was refolved to cut them off-^
he feared Noah and his family .or fons. Though
Cham was to be cur fed, yet wasi^e of the Church
which worjhtpped the true God , and Jpared as a
fon of Noah , and one of that fociety. And if
God fo far fpared him then for his ^ Fathers fake
as to houfe him in the Arh^ ( the type of the
Church ) he fure took, him to be of the fame fo-
ciety in his infancy, and then bare him the fame
favour on the fame account.
As foon as Noah came out of the Ark^ God
hlejfed himfelf in his iff ue, as he did Adam, Yi'ith
an [^ incrcafe and multiply J and made a Cove-
tia^t wi^h him and his feed aftev him. Which
Cove^
favenant though the exprejfed part of it he tbap
the earth Jlwuld be drowned no more ^ and fo it;
wa^ made vpith the vpick^dfl of Noahs feed^ and
even with the heafts of the fields yet doth n im-
port a fpecial favour to Noah^;/^ his feed^ as one
nhom God wonld fljew a more (fecial refpe^ to ,
as he had done in his deliverance^ and upon this
[pectal favour to him the creatures fare the bet-
ter. For though the word \_ Covenant ^ be the
fame to man and heaft , yet the diverfity of the
promiffary and his capacity may put a different fen fe
on the fame wordy as applied to each, ^nd in-
deed it fhould feem but a fad bleffing to Noah to
hear an \_ increase and multiply ] // all his In-
fant poflerity muft be cafi or left out of the vtfi-
ble Churchy and fo left as common or unclean^
This were to encreafe and multiply the Kingdom^
of the Devil, If he that was fo mercifully hou^
fed in the Ark. Vpith all hts children , mitfi now
he fo blefi as to have all their tffue to be out of the
Churchy it were a flrange change in God^ and a
ftrange bleffing on Noah ! And an uncomfortable
flablifnng of a. (fovenant with his feedy if all
that feed mufi be fo thrufi from God and dealt
with ^A the feed of cur fed Cain.
Moreover it is cert am that Noah did prophe^
tically , or at leafi truly pronounce the bleffing on
Shem and Japhet. And in Shems bleffmg he
bleffeth the Lord his Gody fljewtng that God was
his God and fo in CovenatJt with htm. And it
ts plain that it is not only the perfons , but the
po ferities of his three fwvs that Noah here intend-
ed. It was not Cham hiwfelf fo much as Canaan
and
and his fucceeding pofierity that mre to he fer*
*vantsto Shem ^W Japhet, that is ^ to their pofie*
rity. And the hie^mg mtifi be to the iffue of
Shem, as well as the cnrfe te the iffhe ofChom*
And indeed a Hebrew Dollar would take it ill
0t that Expofitor or Divine whatfoever that
floonld pre fame to exclude the Infant feed of them
out of Gods Oiurch, And well they may , if in
the bleffmg God be pronounced to be their God*
Saith Ainfworth in loc, \^under this Shem alfo
himfelf receiveth a bleffing : for bleffed is the peo-
ple , whofe God Jehovah is , Pfal. 144. 15. and
eternal life is implied herein , for God hath pre-
prepared for them a City of whom he is not ajha^
wed to be called their 'God ^ Heb. ii. 16. and
Shem is the firfi man in Scripture that hath ex-
prejly this honour /\
aJ^foreover in Gen, 9. 27. in Japhets bleffing
there is muchy though in few words ^ to this pur-
pofe intimated* Firft , note that the Jewijh
Church is called \_ the tents of Shem. ] From
whence it appeareth^ that the Church prtviledges
of that people begun not with or from AbrahaiH ,
but were before : And that it is the fame Church
that was cf Shem and of Abraham, and after all
the additional promifes to Abraham, the Jewijh
Church is fill denominated [^ the tents of Shem : ]
now they were the tents of Shem before Abrahams
days. And therefore it is clear ^ that it being
the fame Church , muf: be fuppofed to have the
fame fort of members cr materials : and there-
fore Infants muft be members before Abrahams
days as well as after. That Church which
was
yoiU Sheras tenU had Infant Church-memhers (for
the Jews Church 16 fo called , into which Japhec
Tpas to paf: ) But the Church both before and af-
ter Abraham vpas Shems tents^ Ergo.
Tet further let it here be mtedy that it is into
Shems tents that Japhec muft paf. J fuppofe that
the evidence is better here for that expofition that
applyeth the word \^ dwell 2 to Japhec than to Gody
and fo that this is ]foken of the converfen of the
CentileSy as waxy Expofitors have cleared at large.
And foj as Ainfworih faith ^ the fenfe is that J:^-
phec fhaH be |[ united with the Churches of the
JewSy the pofterity of Shcm , which was fulfilled
when the Gentiles became joynt-heirs^ and of the
fame body^ and ]oynt -partakers of Gods prozufe ijz
■Chrifly the flop of the partition-wall being broken
down, dec, Ephef. 3.6. &: 2. 14, 19. Although it
may further tn?ply the graffing of JzphQis children
into the ftock.of the Qonrch^ whenShtms pofieri-
ty (Ijoiild be cut ojf^ &c. ] vid. ulr. Now if it be
Shems tents even the fame Church that Japhecs
children wuft dwell in , then as Shems Infants
Xvcre church-members , fo 7?jufl Japhets, and not
all his Infarit feed be cafl or left out. So that
here is a promife of Infant Church-member finp
unto the Gentiles in thefe words.
Reply. To alJ this the fumm of Mr. T.'s an-
fvvers are, i. A denial of the fenfes given of
fome Texts, which I leave to the Readers exa^
mination, being refolved not to tire him with a
tedious Reply. 2. He grants that their perfons
were bUlTed, God their God , and their feed
ill the Church; As if Gods open Covenant and
pro-
(124)
promife made them not vifible raembeirs but invi-
fible.
SECT. LXX, toLXXIX.
R.B. \TrT£ come next to the Promife made
W to Abraham, nvhkh I jhall fay the
lef tOy hecapife yon confef it. But again note ,
that whereas your felf make the beginning of
Gods taking the Jews to be his feofle, and fo of
Infants to be members of the Church , to be at
Abrahams call from Ur ^ i. Inhere is no one word
of that in the Text, 2. Lot came out of Ur with
Abraham, yeuy and from Haran, and lived with
htm : were not Lot and his Infants Church-mem^
hers then?
3 . The chief note I intend is this^ that there is
m more faid then to j>rove Infants Church-mem-
herSf than what we have (hewed was faid long
before^ and is faid after of the Gentiles Infants^
7to nor fo much. If therefore the pajfage of Abra-
ham out of Ur, yea , or the -pror/^ife made to him
in Haran, Gen. 12. 2, 3. will prove Infants
Church-memberfijip , then have we as good proof
cf it to the Gentile Church as to the Jews*
And here I note further , that in the begin-
ning before the command for Circumcifion , yoH
plainly yield that Infants Church-memberjJnp is a
thing fcparable from Circumcifion^ and begun not
with It , but before^ And indeed I have evinced
that td yon in my Book, of Baptifm, Abraham
himfelf was not made a member by Circuwcifiony
but
but circumcifed bscanfe a member of Chrifis
Church by faith, Ifhmael vpas a member before^
and fo vpas Ifaac, and the Infants born in Abra-
hams houfe.
Whether there were any fromife or precept of this
( but a meer tranfeunt faEi ) let the Text lafi
mentioned^ and the follovping bear witnefi, Gen»
12. 2, 3. In thee fhall all families of the earth
be blefled, and^ Gen. 17.7,9,10. And I will
eftablifh my Covenant between me and thee and
thy feed after thee and I will be their
God. And God faid to Abraham^ Thou fhalt
keep my Covenant therefore , thou and thy feed
after thee in their generations. This is my Co-
venant which you fhall keep between me and
you, &c. to njerf 15. In all this let thefe things
be noted , i. That here is an exprejS promt fe
vr Covenant to Abraham and his feed af-
ter him. 2. That it is not only de pracfenti,
but for the fntnre ^ called an everlafling Cove-
nam* 3 . That this prcmife or Covenant doth ma-
'/lifefily imply and include Infants Church-mem-
ber Jhip (as you confef,) 4. That yet here is not
the leaft word that intimates an inftttution of it
de novo, but rather the contrary plainly intima-
ted. The promifes before Gen. 17. are mainly
about the multiplication of Abrahams feed. What
is that to Qourch'-memberflnp f ( except what in-
timates the pr omi fed feed ^ of which anon*) Ha-
gar hath a promife alfo of the multiplication of
Khmaels feed. And the very precept of Circum-
cifion is only one part of the Infayit members yVVL,
the males , and therefore it cannot be foundation-
(126)
of their ChHrch'Wemberjhip , 'which leaves out
half the members. 5. Note that the fromife that
God will be thetr Gody doth exprejly contain the
Chhrch-memherjliip of the feed, 6. Note that
this is more than a tranfeunt faB , Ergo , bein^
an everldfiing, Covenant, Had it been a natn^
rat tranftunt fa5i^ that had left no permanent ti^
tie behind it tn the obligation of the Covenant ,
then it had been null and void as joon as fpoken :
then the word ofCjod is bpit a bare fomid and of no
further force* 7. Note that the Apoftle ( as is
faid) Rom. 4. lo, 11, 12, 13, doth fully manifefi
to HSf that this promife was made to Abraham as
a believer , and that CircHmcifion was a feal of
the righteoufnefs of faith which he hady yet be-
ing line ircurnci fed : and therefore that the chief
part of the Covenant of having God for our Gody
and his taking vj as his peculiar people ^ belongs
to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews, 8. And
he oft jJjeweth that the faithful are Abrahams
feed^ and therefore the chief bleffmgs of the pro-
mife belong to all the faithful. But one of the
blejfmgs wasy that their Infants jhoald be compre-
hended in the fame Church and Covenant-, Ergo,
the Infants of the faithful who are the heirs of
the fame prcmifey mufi be comprehended in it too,
9. / thinks it is not to be made light of as to
this matter^ that in the great promife^ Gen. 12.3.
the blejjing from Abraham in Chrifl is promifed
to all the families or tribes on earthy all the fami-
lies of the earth fhall be blefTed, as the Heb. Sa-
mar, Arabic, or all the kindreds as the vulgar
Lar, and Chald. paraph, or 'all the tribes as the
Sept.
(121)
Sept. v7wj«i oil (pvKetu And donhtlefs it is hyChrifl
that this bkjfwg is fromifed y and fo a G off el
bleffing ( Ergo, the Syriac. adds and in thy feed,
and the Arab, hath by thee. ) And the Apoftle
fully teftifeth that. So that as tribes , kindreds y
families^ do wofi certainly comprehend the Infants^
and as tt vpas to fuch families that the promifs
was made before Chrifi as to the Jevpiflo Church ^
fo is it exprefy to fuch families or tribes that the
fromife is made as to the Gentiles fince Chrift,
I o. Note that as Infant Chnrch-memberfhip is
here clearly implied in Infant Circamcifion , fo
they are two difiinU things-^ and as the ft^n ii
here commanded de novo , fo the thing figniftd
( 1 mean the duty of engaging and devoting to
Cod as their God in (^ovenant ) is commanded
with it, though not de novo, as a thing now be*
ginning as the fign did. So that here is in Cir^
citmcifion not only a command to do the circnm'
cifing oHtward a[iy but alfo to do it as a fign of
the Covenant , and fo withal for the Parents to
engage their children to God in Covenant as their
Cody and devote them to him as his feparatedpe^
culiar people. So that here are two diftinU du-
ties concHrrent, The one external newly infli-
tiitcd , the other internal not newly infiitn^
ted. And therefore the former may ceafe , and
yet the later fiand : and it is no proof that
the later ( Covenant engagement of Infants to
Cod ) is ceafedy becanfe the fign of Cir citmcifion
is ceafed ^ no more than it proves that fnch Cove-
nant engagement did then begin when Circum-
cifion did begin 5 or that women were not Church-
members
(128;
members feparate^j engaged, dedicated to God in
Infancy^ htcanfe they vpere 7iot circumcifed. And
no more than yon can prove that all Ifrad wai
unchwrched in the wildernefs when they were un-
ctrcHmcifcd for 40 years» So that here you have
a command for entring Infants as Chmch-mem-
bers. And fo you fee both promife and precept in
Gen, 12. 3. & Gen. 17.
And when I confider the Parent Sy breeding and
tnanners of Rebekah , / think it far more proba-
ble that fie was a Church-member from her In-
fancy , than that jhe was entred afterwards at age^
or that floe was a heathen or infidel when Ilaac
married her.
And as here are before mB?7tioned fiandingCo-
venantSy fo it i^ to be noted how God intimatetk
the extent of the main bleffing of them to be fur-
ther than to Abrahams natural feed^ not only in
the exprefs promife of the bleffing to all the nati*
ens or families on earth ( of which before ) but
in the ajftgned reafon of the blejfmg which is com-
mon to Abraham with other true believers, For
Gen. 22. 165 17, 18. it is thus alledged [_becaufe
thou haft done this thing , &c. And in thy feed
(hall all the nations of the earth be blejfed^ becaufe
thou hafl^ obeyed my voice » ] And Gen. 26. 3, 4, 5.
the Covenant is renewed with Ifaac, and the fame
reafon afftgned , [^ becaufe that Abraham obeyed
my voice y and kept my charge ^ my commandment s^
my fiatutes and my laws^ j How mans obedience
is faid to be a caufe of Gods bleffmgj I am not de^
iermining •, but taking the words as J find them
in general , / may (ioncMf ^ that they are here
gi'vsri
(129)
given as a canfe or reafon of it fome way or others
And though a Jpeci.il mercy jr^<iy be given on a
common ground or reafon , yet where there ts no
apparent proof of the rejirtiiioTty we are to judge-
the hlefftng common where the reafon t6 common :
At leaft 5 // a Jpecial hlejfing be fuptr added to
Abrahams feed ( upon the freenefi of Gods graccy
or the eminency of Abrahams obedience ^ ) ye f there
goes with It a mercy common to all where the
reafon of the mercy u foun^. It being therefore
the cafe of every true believer to be faithful and
obedient ^ yea^ to prefer that before his own Itfe^
and not a fon only , it may be hence gathered ,
that God who hleffed Abrahams feed on that ac-
County Will blef theirs on the fame ^ with the fame
hlcfpngs in the main ( as to his favour and ac-^
ceptance of them ) though not with the fame in
the variable fuperaddittonals or overplus of extern
nal things.
In Exod. 12, 48. there is a law for the c ire um^
tifing of all the males of firr angers that fojourn iri
the landj that will keep the paffover : which com^
frehendeth their [hurch-r/ier/ibcrflnp, ai is fliewed.
Reply, To all this neither do I find any new
thing calling, for any anfwer, but what the con-
fidering Reader can eafily make : His repeated
iayings, that if [_Mmiffionbe by B^ptifr, I mufl
make Parents Mmifters to baptize J a child may
well anfwer. There are more Parties that ad in
baptifm than one : God by his itJl'finifiers cxpref-
fcth his Covenant-Gift and Confent, and deliver-^
cth it fealcd to the Receiver by the inftituted in-
\efting fyrabol : The party receiving expreflech
K hi3
(13°)
hss confent^ and this the Parent hath power and
truft to do for the child , as you may take a
Leafefor your Child: Cannot the Parent do this,
and fo be a Ca^fe of Reception without being a
Miniiler?
SECT. LXXIX, toLXXXVI.
R.B. 'Tp/Zf promt fe to the whole people of If-
X raei, Infahts anddl^ that they (l}0Pi!d
h \^a peculiar people , a Kingdom of Priefij^ and
a holy Nation^ J Exod 19. 5, 6. yon cannot de^
ny» This is a promt fe , and not a tranfeunt faB
yyhich made no promtfe^ And the people are cal^
led to keep Cods Covenant ^ that they might have
this promife fulfilled to them. Tea , // yon had
faid^ that it vpm a mecr tranfeunt Covenant or
promife^ reaching but to the perjons then exifient^
and dying vpith them, though yon had Jpoken more
fenfey yet no more truth than when you denied the^
law and prowife^ and fubftttuted a tranfeunt fa^»
For , I , //■ 16 ex pre fly a promife de futuro to a
Nation, z. Tea ^ and the Jpoflle ? ctcr giveth
the farK£ titles to believers under the Gojpel^ in^
tmatii2g the fnlfilling of the promife even to them^
as the promife to Abraham was to the faithful
who were his uncircun^ctfed feed. However^
here is a Covenant granting by way of con fir ma^
on the bhffi?ig of thurch-memberfhip to Infants
with the rcfl i>/ Ifrael : For certainly^ this pec u*
liarity^ and hf.lintfs , and prie flood here mentio-
tid^ contairiith thtir ChiiYch'rrterr.berfinp : It is
UndeniabU therefore , that fnch Church-member^
jhfp is here granted by Promt fe or Covenant , not
4U a thing then beginnings but by way of confir-
mat ion of the like former grants* And it is to
he noted ^ that though this fromife is made to all
Ifrael , yet not to be fulfilUd to any of them ^ but
on condition that they t obey Gods voice , and
k^ep his Covenant^ '] verf. 5 . on which conditions
alfo any other might have then enjoyed the fam^
hleffmgy and therefore fo may do now*
In Dect. 17. i,^. The Infants with the reft
are called the children of God, and a holy and pe^
cnliar people to the Lord their God.
And Deur. 26. 14, 18. theCovenant is expref^
fed [] Thou haft avouched the Lord this day to
be thy God, and to walk in his ways,^ and keep
his ftatuces, and his commandments, and his judge-
ments, and to hearken to his voice. And the Lord
hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar
people, as he hath promifed thee, ere. And thac
thou maift be ain holy peopk , c^c. Is here no
promife, when the promife is expreft f and is here
no Covenant^ where the mutual Covenant is de-
fcribed ? And t think^you grant that Infants arc
included.
So Deur. 28.4, 9. Where the promife to the na^
tion is J that if they hearken to Cods voice and
obferve his Commandment s^ they JJjall be bleffsd in
the fruit of their bodies^ and the Lord will efta-
blifj them a holy people to him [elf ^ as he had
fworn unto them. 3 Here is not only a Covenant
and Promife for the future^ but alfo an oath ton^
fming itj as annexed to the fame before. Is
K i thif
this eflahlijfnn^ Covenant or Tromife hut a tran-
feunt fati ? or doth not this confirm their right
to the benefit promifedj which Vpas received before
by the fame weans ?
And Ezra 9. 2» They dre called the holy feed.
Of that in Deut. 29. / have formerly (poke
enough. It is called a Covenant, nAll Ifrael
^ith their little ones did enter the Covenant and the
eluth with Cody and which he made to them. It
W/u a Covenant , to eftablifh them for a people
xh himfelf, and that he may be to them a God,
as he had before faid and fworn. It is a Cove*
nmt made even t^ith ther/t that flood not there ,
nhaher It be meant only of the fticceffive Ik^tXats
( and then it is not a tranfeunt Covenant ) or of
aU people whoever that will accept of the fame
urms ( and then it's not proper to Ifrael. ) It is
a Covenant not fnadeto them as meer Ifraelites:^
hut as obedient to the Covenant terms ^ and Co'^r
iienant breaking would cut them off, verf. 19,20^'
2 r , 23 , 25, 16. Is not (^hMrch-memberjhip contain-
ed i:«, Gods being their God , and taking them^\
for his people thus in Covenant > Doth not the pro"
mfe give them an ejlablifhed right in this bleffmg?-
Is ali this then no promifey but a tranfeunt fa^i /*
Deut. 30. I9» There is a law and promife y
dioofe life, that thou and thy feed may live*
This is the fame Covenant which hh can fed the
people to enter ^ 2 Chron. 15, and if there had]
been m law for it^ there would have been no ptf^ '
ndty^ and then he would not have made it deaih'
fo withdraw. It is the fame Covenant which Jo-
Mkcaufed the people to enter, 2 Kings 23. 2,3 Jl
2Chron»
2 Chron. 34« 5i, 3^- Of Levir. 25/41,54, 55^
/ have Ipoken elfewhere y .and of fome other
^•^''- . ^•■^■^'^^v-,^^ ' •' ^^--^
Mr. r, For, the fo/e effirim. cnuje bein^ a^taUy
put ("as the Covenant and the Parents fxlieving are?
IV«f. 2c. j the ejfeU mufi be In act : but it is not fo in tf^
unborn : therefore the Covenant and Parents faith are not
the folc efficient fo that though the Covenant give
a Right to a bleiling, yet it dodi not make adualiy vifi-
b!e Church-members 3 witliout foipe other tranfeunc
faft . '
Reply. ( The reft let the Reader make his beft
of. ) We are it feems by this time in a fair way
of agreement, and have almofl done our work.
It feemeth by this time he could find in his heart
to grant that the Covenant is an efficient caafe^
though not the fole efficient : well , we will not
ftick on that : Gods love and revelation , and
thrifts merits (hall be antecedent chief efficients :
And he feemeth now inftead of faying ftill that
;{^ It is only by the Phyfcal tranfeunt falh ] to be
content if we will fay , it is not till or witbjut
that fad: ^ that is , that men' are not members of
the Church till they are men. We will not be
fo fowre as to deny him that much. And indeed
is this all at the upfhot ? But I will not grant him
tlie logical notion too eaiily, though we will not
quarrel about itc I think a canfe materiaUy miay
long exift before the fffiecl^ though it be not /or-
maliter caufa till it effed : And I think that Gods
conditional (Covenant or Tromife^ is but caufa vir'*
tiialis cr aptitndinalis till it effeB , and yet may
be the fole proximate efficient of our Right af*
lerward : I think the childs bein^ born did not
' " K 3 efsq
Ci34)
fffeSi his Right to Church Relation, Tior dotii '
pur Faith now, nor the Parents faith or confent'^
but only as a condition maj^e men capable Recipi-
ents, And I think the effe5i may begin de mvq
lyithoyt any change in ihc efficient^ upon a change
in the Recipient : And that the Sun unchanged is
the proximate efficient of motion, light and hear,
to the next exigent wight that received not his
influx before it did exift : And the Covenant or
ponatiye Inflrutnent of God which faith \^He .
that helieyeth ^Imll be JHfitfied^ rpay effeft my
Juftification when I believe and not before ,
though my faith ejfeB it not at all, but dijpofe th^
recipient. But I deny that the Parents faithbc'
in^ pHt^ all the c^p^city of the recipient is put^y
even when he is born: For if it be pofiible for
the Parent to confent for himfelf and not for hi^
child , and to devote himfelf and not his child to
God 5 part of the condition pf re(:eptioa i$
wanting.
As far as I perceive , could I but hope to be
fo happy a difputant, as to convince Mr. T, that
Church-memberfhip (vi{]ble J is any benefit at all
it felf or was to the Ifraelites y he would grant
me all that I plead for of the conveyance of it by
Qpvenant. And if I cannot it is a hard cafe,
SE<?Ti
(IS5)
SECT. LXXXVI.
il. B. ""T^He fccond Commandment ^ Exod. 2(%
jL 5, 6. Deur. 5. 9, lo. / thinks is a
laWy and containeth a fromtfe or premiant fart y
vcherein he promifeth to fljew mercy to the gene-
rations or children of them that love him and.
keep his Commandments : of which I have alfo
Jpoken elfexvhere, to which 1 refer yon, I fee no
reafon to dohht but here is a fiandmg promt fe ,
and difcovery of Gods refolution , concerning the
children of all that love him , whether Jews or
Gentiles y to whom this Commandment belongs:
nor to doubt whether this mercy imply Church^
membership : And that this is fetcht from the ve^
ry gracioHi nature of God^ I find in his proclaim^
ing bis Name to Mofes, Exod. 34.6, 7*
Mr. r. If this mercy here imply Church-meiuberfhip
to the Infaats of tJicm that love hioi to a thoufand Ge-
nerations 5 then it implieth it to all the Infants in the
world But there is nothing to prove that this mer-
cy muft be Church-memhcrfhip, or that it mufl be to all
th.e children of them that love God, or that it rni(ft be
to them in Infancy I incline to conceive this apro-
mife of temporal mercies, chiefly to the ip:ic'Jtfj
Reply, I. That it is not only o^ temporal mer'*
ciesy the words \^ Love and Hate "] as the qualifi-
cation of the Parents , fceni to prove ^ and the
joyning the children to the Parents m the retrir
bution : And all the terms feem above fuch 3
fenfe : It is the revenge of ajealom God on Ido"
lafersj and mncy to his Lovers that isfpokenof:
K 4 And
And the joyning this Command to tire- firfi; which
fkleih our relation to God , with the Laws an-
nexed in Dent, for the curting off whole Cities
( Parents and Children ) that turn from God to
Idols, llieweih that it reached to Church-Commft-
r.ion and Life*
2. And that it was not only to the Ifraelites
(whatever you cbitfy meanj is proved boih in
that it is in the Docalo£ue , and the proclaimed
name of God ^ Esod. 54. 5, 6. and exemplified
througliouL the Scripture and in the Gofpel.
2. As to the extent, we can hardly expeft that
the world fbould endure a thouland Generations :
Therefore it- can mean but that God who bound-
Cth the punifhmcnt to the third and fourth gene-
ration, will fet no bounds to the fucceiiion of his
mercies while our capacity continueth. And what-
ever the mercies be, the expoficion of this conti^^
vuAnce ^oncerneth you as much as n}e^
3 . As to the conditions, I doubt not but it fup-
pofech that the child at age imitate the Parents in
iheir Love or Hatred ^ duty or fin ; And that if
on Repentance the Parent be forgiven, his fin may
not be vifited to the third and fourth. And if 5
child of Godly Parents turn wicked , the right is
intercepted^
4. But the Commandment with the forefaid
cxpofidon fhews, that God meaneth that his Retri-
b,u ion to Parents that Love or Hate him , fiiall
extend to their children as fach ^ unlefs they inter-
rupt it at age by their own ads; And if fo their
children ^na tales^ then to Infants.
^ And 1^ fpeaketh fuch a ft ate of mrcy as can-
037)
not in reafon be conceived to beloKg to them
without, and can mean no lefs than Gods vifiblc
favour jby which the Church is diff^^renccd from the
v/>.rld, when Lovers and Haters are diftinguifhed
fides.
And when God hath 'Recorded this decreed
gr Anted diJ}wanipHd mrcy to the children of the
faithful as fnch in the Tables of ftone , fure it is
a Vifiblc notification^ which will make them vifi^
hie favorites and Chnrch'jnerr;hers as foon as they
vifibly exift.
And the quatenus feemeth to me to prove that
it excendeth to all the children of the faithful^
becaufe it is to them as fuch. But irfolloweth not
that it mud extend to them all alikcy as to eqnal
wercies^ nor yet that the fin of Parents after may
fnake no kind of forfeiture. But of this I have
faid more in my Chriftian Dire^ory,
SECT. L XXX VI I, to XCIV.
p.. B. TiV Pfal. 102. 28. It is a general fro^
1 mife^ the children of thy fcrvants fnall
continue, and their feed (hall be eftablifhed before
ihee, Jt is ufiial in the OldTefiament to expref
Cods favour, hy temporal blcljl?/gs , ?y,ore than in
the Gojpel -^ but yet fill they fee lire a^ of his fa-
zgnr, jis^ I will not fail thee, nor forfake thee,
wight fccure Jofliua n:ore than m of temporal fiic*
ccjjesy and yet not more of Gods never failing /<«-
"JOIiV^
There
rx3U
^here is a flable fromife to all Gods people in
general that have children^ Pfal. 103. 17. But
the mercy of the Lord is from everlafting to evcrr
lafting upon them that fear him , and his righte-
oufneTs unto childrens children, u4nd to be fe-
cured by promife of Gods mercy and ri^hteotsfnej^
is the fiate of none without the Church,
And if they were all to be kept out of the
Church, I fcarce thinks that Children would be
called an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the
wo^b his reward, Pfal. iij, 3. nor the manhap-^
py that hath his quiver full of them. Nor would
the fucking children be called as part of the fo'
lemn ajfembly to the htiwiliation , ]oel 2. 16.
2 Chron. 26. 13^
There is a [landing promt fe to all the jt^^fiy Prov^
20. 7. The juft man wai1<eth in his integrity, his
children are blefled alter him. There is no fort
of men without the Church that is pronounced
hleffcd in Scripture, A blejfed people are Gods
people , and thofe are the Church feparated from
the curfed world. One lower blefjing Will not de-r-
f^ominate a man or focicty , a blefjed marp or fo^
ciety.
If it were a good argument then^ Deut,^, -i^^^
becaufe he loved thy fathers, therefore he chofe
their feed after them, theyi it is good ft ill as to fa-
^jour in general. So Deut, 10. 15. Pfal.^, 36.
Trov.i\*2i, The feed of the righteous fhali be
delivered. In Pfal. 37. 26. there is a general
promife to, or declaration of the rightcom^ thatVxl^
feed is bleffed, and then they are Church-members,
la Ih. 61. 8, 9. it is promtfed I think, of Gd»
fjU
(IS9)
fjftltimes^ I will make an everlafting Covenant
with them , and their feed fhall be known among
the Gentiles, and their ofF-fpring among the peo-
ple : all that fee them (hall acknowledge them,
that they arc the feed which the Lord hath blef-
ifed. And cap.62. 12, They iTiall call them the
holy people, the redeemed of the Lord ; and thou
(halt be called, fought out , a city not forfaken.
Cofpel promifes then extend to [ people and cities^ ]
whereof Infants (tre a part, I fa, 6^, 23. they
are the feed of the blefled of the Lord, and their
off- fpring with them. This is plain y and full,
and durable.
What is neceffary to he faid in anfwer to the
common ohje^lions ^ ai [_ that experience tells us
all the feed of the rtghteom are not hlejfed^ with
the like , I fuppofe already done in my book^of
Baptifm, All the feed of the righteous are blef-
fed y though not all vpith that blejfing which can^
not f;e lofl and cafi away by themfelves when they
come to age,
Mr. T.'s Anfwers all contain the difficulty of
difcerning the fulHlling of thefe promifes, and fa
denying that they infer vifible Church-member-
fhip : and he faith j^ That without the Church a
per [on may he pronounced bleffed^ is apparent from
Ifhmaels blejfing^ Gen. 17. 20. when he was ex-
cluded the Covenant and caftour. ]
Reply, He was excluded the Covenant of pecu-
liarity, but not the common Covenant of Grace
rnade with mankind in Adam and Noe: And the
Church was larger than the Ifraetites Nation,
The reft I leave to the Reader,
# SECTi
(140)
— — ^ —4.
SECT. XCIV, XCV.
R. B. TF youfay that the word \^feed^ doth not
i necejjarily incln^.e Infants* I atifvoer^ In-
fants are fart of the feed of the righteom , yea all
their feed are fir fi Infants, If therefore God have
made general fromifes a^ to age and perfon^ vpho is
he that dare hmit it , without jufi proof that in-
deed God hath limited it f Doth God fay ^ that the
feed of the righteous are not hie ffed till they come
to age f If he pronounce the feed hlejfedy they mptfi
he hlejfed , when they are prfi fiich a feed : And
if any one age might be rnore included than ano»
therj one would think^it mufi he that wherein the^
/ire fi meerly the feed of fich as that they ft and
not on any diftinB account of their own atlua^
faith or unbelief, ' For the feed of the righteous^
^ fuchj have a promifed hleffing : But the feed of
the right eoiu turning them fe Ives to unrighteouf-
rtcf^ do turn from that hlejfwg ^ and become aC'^
curfcd,
I fMppofe I have already been wore tediom
than you, expeBed: I will therefore add no more
of thefe paffagcs of Scripture , having faid that
vifhich fatisfeth me formerly to the fame purpofe j
and having yet feen nothing that leaves me un^
fatisfed. And alfo hecaufe one text either con-
taining fuch a Law or Covenant as you call for^
or declaring to w that God did make fuch a Law
or Covenant^ is 06 good as a thousand in point of
iHuthority^
' Mr. T, Mr. B. not holding children in the womb un-
born to be vifiblc Church-members, all this may be retort-
e(I; They are part of the feed of the righteous.
Refly. The whole feed f in the womb and born }
are taken into this relation to God which im-
plyeth his bleftlng on them as feparaced from the
wicked, according to their capacity : An Infant iri
the womb is vifibly feparated to God, if you de-
nominate 'viftbility froni the notoriety or viabili-
ty of Gods promife that doth it : But the ferfon
is net vifihle to you, though fenfible to the mo-
ther. As Chrift was the Head in the womb, fo
far Infants are members -, the Parents then pri-
vately devoting them to God : I told you before,
the vifibility of our (late hath feveral gradations.
To quibble thus on all Gods promifes to the chil-
dren of the faithful by queftions and exceptions
about embryo's, abortives, c^c, is vanity.
SECT. XCVI, XCVII.
R. B. T^ HE next QHefrion th^t I fpould fpeak,
JL to tSj whether thcfe Laws , or Cove-
nants^ or Vro'i'Kifes ^ are capable ej a revocation^
or repeal ? and I {hall take this for a quefiion
that needs no further debate , anion g iKen that
know what a Law or Promife is. Cods ' immu^
tability and perfe^iion may mak^^ jOme Law^ «»-
repealable y while the fiib;e5i rtmpins : hut other^
VPife the thing it [elf is capable of it. Only where
a, Promife or Law is but for a Imited time ,
rvhcn the time is €xfh(d it ceafeth , and the cef-
faticn
(140
fat ion is oito the nulling of ity equal to a rewP
CM ion or abrogation. I put in this que fl ion , leff
yoi fijould hereafter change your mtnd and fay ^
that indeed tt is a laxK>^ or fromife^ or covenant j
by which the right of Church-member jluf is conr
ferred^ and Infants dedicated to God : but it is but a
i anfeunt Law or CovenantiJ^ Anfw. Jf fo^thenit
is either immediately or prefently tranfeunt^ or at
a certain limited time only ^ vphen it will ceafe.
Tide former ts certainly falfe and intolerable^
For^ i*They are promifes and laws for the future^
and therefore ceafe not immediately, 2. That
Vpere to make God the mofi unfaithful fromifer
and mutable Larv-maker in the worlds if his prO'
mife and his laves ceafe as foon as they are made*
Jslay it makes them to he no laws or promifes»
3 • It was one ftanding law and promt fe thai be^
Imged to the Nation of the Jews fuccejfively. And
God did not make his promife anew to every In^
fant that was made a Church-member^ nor renew
his law to every Varent to enter their Children in-
to his Covenant by the fign of Circumci(ion» Were
not the uncircumcifed Ifraelices in the Wilder ne ft
rn^ide members by the efficacy of the former Cove-
nant of God remaining in force. And did for-'
mer Laws oblige to Circumcifon till Chrifl ? Elfe
there were but few members^ nor but few that ctr-
cumcifed warrantably-, if the promtfe and precept
did extend but to the perfon that it was firji deli-:
vcred to^ and every one elfe mufi Ukewifc have a-
perfonal promife and precept. The Mother of
Chrifl cannot then be proved to have been a
Qmrch- member in Infancy* If it be faid that
thefs
ri43)
thefe promt fes were limited in the making of them^
to a certain riwe when they were to ceafe^ J fay when
that is fro'ved we p} all believe ft ^ which I have
not yet feen done.
Audit falls in with the laf qneftion^ which is^
whether thefe frowtfes be indeed revoked and cea-
fed y and thefe laws repealed or ceafed, ty4nd
here it is that J have long expe^ed your foltd
proofs together with the fatisfaliory anfwer to my
arguments to the contrary. And fo I Jhall leave
this task^ in yonr hands. Sure I am that Chrifi
never came to caft out of the Churchy but to go*
ther more in : mnch lefs to cafl out all the InfantSy
even all of that age in which htmfelf wa6 head of
that Church : But to gather together in one the
children of God that were fcatteredy Johnii. 52.
And therefore he would oft have gathered all ]e-
rufalcm and Judsea, even the National Church that
then wofy unto htmfelf ^ 06 the true head^ even as
a Hen gather eth her Chickens under her wings y
and they would not. It was not becanfe he would
not ( oi intending a new frame , where Infants
could have no place ) hut becaufe they would not ,
andfo caft out themfelves and their Infants, Certain^
ly it is the joy of the formerly defolate Gentiles ,
that they ftoall have many more children than
jlie that had an Husband , and not fewer ,
Gal. 4. 25 , 26 5 27. And we as Ifaac are
children of the promife , even that promife
which extended to the Infants with the Parents,
Gal. 4. 28.
Mr. T. I conceived a Prom/fe not in congrunas f?^fe
ri^uUbli : For although a promife be a Law to the Pro-
nr.fcr,
(.HA)
Jenifer, yet I know hoc how congruoufly it fhould be re-
pealed : 'Tis true , the ad of proniKing being tranfeunr
ceafeth j but that cannot be repealed: that which is done
cannot be Injediim:, no:: done.
Reply. 1 perceive we mufl: difpute our firft
principles^ as well as our Bapufm. Reader, Gods^
promife in queftion is not a particular promife to
fome one perfon only , but his Recorded Jnflrti-
went of Donation^ or ftabliflied written or conti-
nued word , which is the fi^n of his will : It is
the fame thing which is called , the Tremiant or
Donative part of his Law, in one refpeft, and hi$
Teftament in another, and his Donation or Gift
in another, and his Covenant as Conditional in
another, and his Promife in another. As [^ He
that believeth floail be faved J is the Rewarding
or Giving part of a Law, and it is a Teftamenr,,
a Covenant, a Promife, a Gift, all thefe. Mr.T,
cannot fee how this promife can be repealed :
what, not an. univerfal promifing Law, or Cove-
nant or Inftrument ? The queftion is not whether
it ever was 7'cfealed. but whether it be repalea-
hle^ in congruous fenfe. Why m:iy not the King
make a Law that every one that killeth fuch and
fuch hurtful creatures ( a Fox, c^c, ) or that kil-
ieth an enemy in war, (hall have fuch a reward ;
and repeale this Law or Promife when he feeth
caufe ? I think the firft Covenant ceafed by mans
fin, without repeal. But I cannot fay that no
promife to the Ifradites was repealed, upon their
fin 1 The non-perfox^mance of the condition depri-
veth the psrty of the benefit while it is unrepeal-
ed; but may no: God thereuf on repeal the Law
or
or Covenant, and null the very offer to pofterity ?
Is it not (o as to the Jews policie and peculiari-
ty? What pains is taken in theEpiftleto the He-
hrevcs to prove the change of the Covenant as
fauhy in ccmparifon of that which had better pro-
mifes? But if you will call it ameer cejfatiorj^dW
is one sis to cur queflion in hand*
SECT. XCVIII.
Ro B. YyEfore I end I fijill he bold to p^t tvfo
JLJ or three Qjtejiions to yoH out of your
lafi Letter, Queft. i. Whether the circnnjcffed
fervants of Ifrael fold at^ay to another nation ^
and fo feparated from the Civil fate of Ifrael ,
did eo ViO^mWitceafe to he C'^nrch-memhers^ though
they forfook^ not God / And fo of the Infants if
they were fold in Infancy f If you affirm it^ then
prove it^ If yon deny tty then Infants might he
QjHrch-rnetnbers that were not ef the Qon^mon-
wealth,
. Mr. r. None v;as of right of the Jewifh Cliurch
who was noc of the Common-Tvcalth.
Reply, But my Queftion was, when withoui; for-
faking God, they are forcibly feparated from the
Jewifli policy and fubjeded to others, are they
iiot members of the Chnrch-HniverfalhiVyihongh
not of the Jews ? ^
?£CT.
(146)
SECT. XCIX.
R.B. Queft.2. 1 F ( as yon fay ) ip vaas on the Jews
1 rejcciton of Chrift that they were
broks^ off' from being Gods feofle^ vperethofe'thoii"
fands of Jews that believed in Chrift fo broken
off. J or not , who continued fucceffively a famons
Church at Hierufalem, wh'^ch came to be a Tatri^
archal feat. Whether then were not the childrefj.
of the Difcifles and all believing Jews Church^
members in Infancy f If noy then it was fomewhat
elfe than unbelief that broke them offi
Mr, T. They were broken off from the Jewifli Church,
not by unbelief, but by faith in Chrifl.
Reply, This is too fhort an anfwer to io great
an evider.ce againft you. The Infants of the Chri-
ftian Jews were the day before their Converfion
members of the Jewilh Church and of Gods uni-
verfal Church , of which the Jews were but a
part : For as he that is a member of the City is
a member of the Kingdom, and a part of a part
is a part of the whole, fo every member of the
Jews Church was a member of Gods univerfal
Church. Now, i. The very Jews pohcy totally
ceafed not till the deflrudion of Jerufalem at
kafr. 2. But if it had, I ask, was k no mercy to
be a' ntcmber both of the Jews Church and the
univerfal? If not, the Jews loft nothing by being
broken off ? If yea, how did the Chriftians Chil-
dren forfeit it ? Was it better to be of no vifible
Church, than of the univerfal ? The Jews were
" ~ * ^ ^ broken-
Cm?)
broken off by unbelief : you lay Chriftians Tb-
fanes were put out of that and the whole vifiblc
Church by faith, or without unbelief.
SECT. C.
R. B. Qneft. 3. ''^TTHether it he crediilethd
VV he who came not to cafi
out fewSy hilt to bring in CentileSy breaking dovpn
the partition-xvally and making of two one Churchy
would have fUch a Lin fey Woolfey Church of fat-
ty colours^ or fever at forms : fo Oi that the Chureh
at Hierufalem Jhcald have Infant members , and
the Church at Ronae jhould have nonel f Jews In-
fants fljohld be members and not Genties ?
Mr.T. fo anfwereth as before, and needeihno
other Reply,
S E C T. CI.
JR. B. Quefi:.4. TF unbelief brake them off ^
X vpill not repentance grafthe?^
In ? And fo jJjould every repenting believing JewB
Infants be Church-members j*
Mr. T. Not their Infants •
}ieply. Then it would be but a part a'i the peo-'
pie that would be graffcd ine
ti ^ECT.
(148)
SECT. CI I.
R. B, Qlieft. 5. \XT^^ ^^^ Chrifis Church he^
VV ' fore his incarnation Jpiri-
tital^ and gathered in a jpiritnal way?
. Mr. T. The invil'ible was 5 the vifiblc Jewifh Nation
was not.
Reply» Not in comparifon of the times of matu-
rity : but the viiible Jewilh frame had the Father
of fpirits for Soveraign, and commanded fpiritual
duties, upon promifes of fpiritual bleilings , even
life Eternal*
^ECT.CIIL
R. B. Queft. 6. TJOrv prove yon that it was a
.CjL blemijh to the old frame ,
that Infants were members /* Or that Chrifts
Chnrch then and now are of two frame sin regard
of the fiibje^j age f
- .Mr. f,.\t was a more imperfed flatc in that and other
regards;; • " - • '
Re fly. I called for fome proof that the Infant-
memberfhip was any part of the Church-imper-
fe(5tion : If it be not a blemifh, why muft it be
done away : what, was the Church the worfe for
Infants Rights?
SECT;
C MP)
s E c T. c n^
R^ B. Qucft.y.TiV what regard is the new
X frtume bettered hy casing ont
Infants which were tn the old /*
Mr. r. The Church is more fpiri ual
Re^ly. What , doth Infants Relation detradt
from its fpirituality ? The adult have fouls and
bodies, and fo have Infants ? The adult conoe in
by the fame kind of confent for themfelves, as they
make for their Infants ? The adult blemifh the
Church with more carnal fins than Infants do?
The Kingdom would be never the more fpi ritual nor
excellent, if all Infants were disfranchised : Na-
ture teacheth all Kingdoms on earth to take them
for members, though but Infant-members.
SECT. CV,
R. B. Qued. 8. ^^r\J H ether any Jew at age
VV vvai a member of the old
Church without frofejfmg faith (in the Articles
necejfary to falvation ) repentance and obedience f
And wherein the fuppofed new call and frame
doth in this differ from the old -^ fave only that a,
more full and expref revelation ef Chrifi , rcqui*
reth a more full expref faith F
Mr. T*. 1 know net wliat profcdion crxh Jew did rnsk?,
or was to make.
L 3 ^^Ph*
Reply. I would you had been as cautelous ancj
modeft throughout. It is evident, that they wer^
to profcfs confent to Gods Covenant^ which thofe
tjiat denied, .^ would puc to death. '
SECT.CVL
R. B. "VT^^ may fee the voords near the end of
X your Letter that occafwn the [even
lafi QueftionSy and towards the rraddle that occa-
fioneth the firfi. As for your motion of my ful-
ly defer ibing the fri-viledges of Church-members^
I fl)all add no more at thps time to what is alrea^
dy elfewhere [aid of it.
Reply. Here Mr. T". chides me for wronging
hini by length ; and being afraid the Reader wil|
do fo too I make hafte»
SECT. CVII, CVIIL
R. B. A Nd now I have gone thm far with
JLX. yoUj in an encjutry into the truth^ I
entreat you he not too much offended wtth me^ if
I conclude with a few ^pplicatory ^ue (lions to
your felf. Queft. i. // it not an undertaking as
•palpably ah fur d as nioft ever any learned fiber
Divine in the world was guilty of , to ?naintain
that [_ Infants were vifihle Church-members not
ly any promife or precept , but by a tranfeunt
faB^ and that there was no law or ordinance de-
termining it Jljould be foy but only a faB of God^
which
which is a tranfeunt thing not repealahle ? 3
Btit cither by this fath you mean Legi flat ion
and Coyenant-makin^ , or not : if yon do , x^hat
a faying is it that Infants were made Church-
members not by Covenant , but by a Covenant-
makings not by a Law , but by a Law-making f
If not , either you mnft fay^ that God makes du^
ty without any law , and gives right to the bem-
fit without any fromife^ or Qjvenant-grant Oi the
caufe ^ or elfe^ that it is no benefit to i^ave right
to Chnrch-memberfinp, and no duty to enter into
that relation^ and to accept of that benefit ^ and to
be devoted to God. Which ever of thefe ways
you chnfe ( and one you mnfl chufe , or change
your opinion) hath the world heard of any more
unreafonable and ridiculom , or elfe more itnbc-
feeming a Divine , from a learned fober man of
that profejfion ? Pardon the high charge : Let th<^
indifferent jndge.
Reply. To this I find no anCwcr worth the re-
citing.
SECT. CIX.
R. B, Queft. 2. T5 it not a great difgrace to all
JL your followers , that they will
be led fo far into fuch ways of Schifrn, and be fo
confident that they are righter and wifcr than
others , and that by fuch unreafonable argttings
and finfts as thefe , which one Wf^nld thinks any
man jhould laugh at that knows what a Law ^
Frcmifcy or Covenant u f And do yon uot jrovc^
L 4. - thai:
.(i50
that it is not becaufe of the evidence of truth ^ hiit
by your meer interefi or confident words , thefe
people are changed and held to your ojinion ? Do
they know what \_ a tranfeunt faB is ^ that with-
out Law or Covenant mah^s Church-members? ]
^. f'^y -i do they know this? which no man that
ever breathed till now , nqr ever man will k^ow
again ? And do yon not proclaim them men of
df'flempered confciences , that dare go on in fuch
J Schifm y on the encouragement of fuch fancies
.ts were hatcht fo long after their perverfion^ and
never waking man 1 thtnk^did before fo folemnly
maintain ?~\
Reply. I have nothing to Tay here, but Mr, T*,
feems very angry at this.
SECT. CXo
*
R, B. Queft. 3» T«5 ^^ ^ot a dcjperate underta^
A k^'f^^g y ^^d dare you adven -
ture on it^ to juflifie all the world before Chrijh
incarnation except the Jews , from the guilt of
not dedicating their children to God^ to take him
to be their Godj and themfelves to be his people f
Tea, to juflifie all Jews again fl this charge, that
flfould negkth or refufe to engage their children to
(jod in Covenant 04 members of his Church ?
And doth not he that faith there is no law , fay
there is no tranjgreffion ? '
Mr. r. He doth — Let him tremble at his defperatc
undertaking to uphold his Lie of Infant Church-raem-
berfhip and Eaptifra by liich Lies as thefe, and fear the
ate of Liers. ' i?^«
M53)
Reply. Charge not your felf, and I will not V
I propofe it to your confideration , whether the
peirfons that folcmnly take God for their God
Recording to Gods Covenant, and are by his vi-
fible word of Covenant, taken by God for his
people, be not vifible members of the Church uni-
verfal? And whether he that faith, There is no
Law of God binding to do thm for his children y
do not infer that they fin not by not doing it ?
S E C T. C X I.
R. B. Queft. 4. Tn\-^^<? yon yet jufttfe alfo at
3l_J the Bar of God^ all the
•world fince Qorifls incarnation from the guilt of
fin J in not dedicating their children to Chrift ^
and entring them into his Covenant as members of
his Church ? Dare you maintain that all the vporld
is finlefs in this reJpeB f
Mr. 7; I dare juftifie the Non-baptizing them
Reply, Here you make a modeft flop. It fcem-
cth you dare not juftifie men for not foiemnly
dedicating them in Covenant to God , and vifi-
bly engaging them to Chrift as members vifible of
his Church.
SECT.
ri54j
SECT. CXIL
R. B. Queft. 5. TTAve you well confJered of
iTX the fruit pf your vs^ays af-
farent in England and Ireland at tht: djy ? Or
have you not feen enojigh to make you fnfpe^i and
fear whether indeed God own your way or not ?
jind is it any wonder if poftcrity he left in con*
troverjie ahoM the Hiftory of jormer times ^ when
you can ve?2ture , even in thefe times when the
perfons are living in our company^ to tell me that
^you think, J am mtfinformed that they are Ana-
taptifts , and you tbink^that there are very few
of them that were ever baptiz^ed^ ] when of many
that we know > and multitudes that we hear ofy
there are fo few that were not before againft In-
fant Baptifm ^ and the Seekers firfi fuch^ and
when the Quakers themfelves commonly cry down
Infant Baptifm y and it is one of the quefiions
that they fend to me^ and others to anfwer^ [_ how
we can prove it by exprefs Scripture without con-
fequences , or elfe confefs our felves falfe VrO'
fhets.
Reply. The anfwer to this I leave to the Rea-
ders judgement.
SECT,
(155)
S»CT, CXIII.
R. B. Queft. 6. T T ^^/g you felt the guilt which
XJL rv§ too flrongly fear you
have incurred , of the perverting of fo many fonlsy
opening them fuch a gap to fchifm , contempt of
the <iJ^/intftryj and Apojiafie^ defraying a hopefnl
reformation that cofi fo dear : or vpeaknmg our
ha?7ds in the work^^ and filling the adverfaries
woHths vpith fccrn^ enticing the Jefuites and Fri^
afs to feem your profelytes , and lift themfelves
4mo7Jg you^ as the hopeful party to befriend their
caufcy hardning thoufands both of the Pafifls and
profane y and fetling them again on their dregs ,
rvhen many once began to jhake ! O what a Church
might we have had^ and were likely to have had ?
Had it not been for the Separatifls and you ?
jind what a lamentable confupon are we now
brought i7jto by thefe f Have thefe things toucht
your heart f
Reply, Mr. T, here is angry, and I wonder
not •, one ftone he fnatcheth up from Dod. Owem
Appendix , and one from the Scotch Church ,
and Elders, and the Church at Kederminfter^ and
the Worcefterflnre Aflbciation , which few before
|iira I think have faid much againft.
SECT,
(J5^)
SECT, CXI^.
R. B. Queft. 7. T5 [| a tranfemt faU , making
JL Infants Church-members mth-
cut Law, Tromife, or Cpvenant~]^ afufficientmC'
dium to encourage you to ^jenture on all thefe hor"
rid things , and run fuch haz^ards m you have
done, f Or is it fofflble that an humble fiber man^
and a tender confiience , durfl make all this ha-
vock^y and fland out in it fi many years confi-
derately 04 you have done, and this upon fuch a
palpably unreafonable pretence / JVhen you fljould
prove to us the revocation of Infants Church^
memberjhip , to tell m that they had it only by a
tranfeunt faU ? Is this a fafe ground to build fo
great a weight on ? Sir, my confcience witneffeth,
that it is not your reproach that is the end of
peaking thefe unpleafmg words to you , but fome
compajfidn on you ( do not fcorn it ) and more on
your poor followers ; and mofi on ths Church of
God which you have fo much injured and troubled^
Reply, HereMr.T. is angry again, which is the
fumm.
SECT. C X V.
R. B, Queft. 8. /^^« you prove that ever there
Vv was one age , or Church
{particular ) on earth fince Adam till about 200
years ago^ that the Anabaptifls rofe, wherein In-
fants
(-157;
funis vpere not de fado taken for members of the
Church f Jf you can do it : Let pu hear your froof„
Mr.T' I can •, and for proof look back to Seft. 503 $1.
and bcfides Cori^ar.tim^ Auguflm:, Na^^, Hicrom
Refly. I can find no fuch thing there : what if
the four men you name were baptized at age
( the fpecial reafons are told you elfewhere. )
Doth that prove that others were not baptized
in Infancy ? Your 52 Sed. I think to examine in
the end.
SECT. CXVL
R. B. Queft.p. /^An yon bring us }r oof of any
V^ one Infant of true Church-
member i^ that "was not rightfully a Church-member
himfelf from the creation tiU Chrifis days ? or
from the creation till this day f except the Ana^
baptifts^rvho rejeEh the bene ft •, whofe cafe(a6 Ifaid
before ) I will not frefume to determine ^
Mr.T". lean, look back to Sed". 5c, 51, 52, 57.-
Refly, I have done, and I find no fuch proof*
SECT. CXVIL
R. B. Queft, ic. Q^Eeing that Infant shave been
O dc fado Church-members
from the creation to this day ( as far as any re-
cords can lead us ) is it likfly that the Lord,
and head and all-fufficient Governour of his
Churthf would have fermtttcd his Church till now
to
h be aBnally made up af fitch fuhjeBs^ 04 in regard
of age be difallovped ? Jnd jujfer his Church to be
vprong frar^ted till now ? Or is it a reafenable ,
wodep and lawful undertaking > to go about now
in the end of the world to make Cjod a new fra^
med Chnrchy as to the age of the fnbje6ls /* jind
is it not more mode ft and fafe^ to live quietly in
a Church of that frame as all the faints in Hea-
ven lived in ^ till the other day ^ as a few Ana-
haptifls with vile and ftnfdl means , and Mfera-
hlefnccefij did attempt an alteration ?
Mr. T. here deniech the fuppofitions 1 I leave
the Reader to judge how truly.
SECT. CXVIII, CXiXc
R. B, O/^, pardon the Weaknefy and bear w it f)
' i<3 the plainnef and freenefs of Yonr
faithful Brother (though not as is meet ) Rich.
Baxter. May 14. 1055.
5/>, // you have any thing of momeht to fay\
in reply to thefe^ which you have not yet in your
writings brought forth , / foali be willing to con-
fider of it : But if you have not , / pray you tell
me fo in two words , and (pare the reft of your
pains ( a^ for me ) and trouble me no more with
matters of this nature. For truly I havenofuf^
ficient vacancy from greater works. Tea y J ark
conftrained to forbear much greater than thefe,
R. B. Jfter this he tells me , that whereas I
preached a Sermon at Bewdley , in which I re^
fated bj mmy argument i Infants vifble Church^
member jhif^
memherfi'nf^ J mufi be either mntahle or hyfocriti^
valj if JdenyfHch a Law and Ordinance vphich /
took^ on me then to refute , and defires a Copy of
that Sermon , that he may fhcw the fad miftakes
and vanity of thofe my arguments.
Reply. Reader, to Mr. T/s anger at thefe ten
Queftions I muft fay, i.That the dolefulnefs of
the Churches cafe conftraincd rae in grief of
heart to deal, plainly with him.
2. But it was in a private letter , extorted by
his importunity , and publiflied to the world by
himfelf and not by me •, who confefs that this
plainnefswas too great for me to have ufed to him
publickLy : But fecret admonition difparageth him
not to others. It hath now been by himfelf
about nineteen years divulged to the world, and
I did not fo much as trouble his patience by a
word of anfwer, and little thought ever to do it :
But Major Danvers his loud invitation hath drawn
me to give them this FarewelL
TH E Reader muft here take notice that I am
not here called to prove Infants Church-
memberl>.ip out of the New Teftament, but to
(hew out of the Old that they were vifible Church-
members before by a Grant or Covenant , which
thrift hath not repealed. The reft ( out of the
New-Teftament ) I have done long ago in my
Treatife of Infant Church-mem feerfhip and Ba-
ptifm, which Mr.T. is fo much difpleafed at.
And indeed I think that the proofs are plain, though
taany objgSions may be difficult to be anfwered^
efpecialiy
ii6o)
i-rpecially by'thofe who have not throughly coti^
fidercd the cafe. When I fee together Chrifts
own Infant memberfhip, and his kind reception
of Infants, and his chiding ihofe that would have
kept them off^ and his otfers of taking in all the
Jewifli Nation into his Church , and that they
were broken off by tinbelicf, and confequently the
feed of Believers not broken off from the Church
univerfal , and that whole houlliolds are oft faid
to be baptized, and that Paul pronounceth Belie-
vers children holy , and that Chrift exprefly y
zJ^atth, 2S. commandeth his Miniflers as much
^s in them liethto Difciple all iV^^^o^j baptizing,
and it's prophefied that the Kingdoms* of the
world fhall be made the Kingdoms of Chrift, and
there is no Nation or Kingdom on earth that In-
fants arc not members of-. All this and much
more feemeth to me a plain revelation of Gods
will, that as he never had a Church which ex-
cluded Infants, fa he doth not now exclude them.
And it is exprefly faid of the Jews that they were
2M haftiz^ed unto Mofes in the cloud and in thefea^
I Cor. 10. 2, where doubtlefs the Apoftle in the
name had refped to our being hsptiz^ed into
Chrifi , of which theirs was a typical Baptifm .,
And it is not faid in vain that they were {_all ba-
ftiz^ed'} including their Infants, but as part of the
Analogie, as if he had faid [] c/^s vpe now are all
baptized intd Chrift, 3
Thefe things feem to me a certain notificati-
on of Gods will herein • which in the forefaid
fofmer Trcatifc I have iullier opened and 'im-
provedy And fliould I ftand to anfwer all the
" r Vfordi
words that Mr. Tomhes hath faid againft it , j
(hould needlefly tire the Reader and my Self, and
lofe that time which I cannot fpare.
A Confutation of Mr, Tombes'j Reafons SeB, ^ik
by "which he pctcndcth to ^rcVe that Ififants
were not reckoned to the uifihle Church-Chri"
fiian in the Primitive times^ nor are now*
Mr» T, I. V cydrgue thtu : If ?7o Infants were
L -part of the vifible Church- Qjrifii-
AH in the Trimitive times^ then whatever Ordr
nance there were of their viftble member f}fp be-
forcy mnfi needs be repealed : B^t the antecedent
is true^ ^rgo, the conftquent ■— The Antece^
dent I prove thm^ . If in all the days of Chrifi
on earthy and the Apofiles^ tio Infant was a part
or ntcmber of the vifible (Ij^rch Chrifiian , then
not in the primitive times : But, dec. Ergo, &:Ca
The A^inor proved i . All vifihle menc-heri
f the Chirrch-Chrifiianwere to be baptiz^ed : But
/:o Infa'nts were to be baptized : Therefore" no In--
fants were vifible members of the Chrifiian
Church,
Anfw. I. To the Major ; they were to tfe ba-
ptifed after Chrifts baptifm was inflituted, Mato
28. 19. but not before 5 when yec the Chriftiart
Church was exiftent in Chriftandhis Difciples:
Therefore Chrift was not baptized in his Tnfancie.
2. To the Minor, If his bare affirmation would
prove that Infants were no:: to be baptized, what
need he write his books ?
M Mr.T^
(l63)
c>^r. T. 2. They were not 'viphle Members of
the Church-Chrtfiian vpho were not of the body of
C^rifl: But no Infant was of the vifible body of
Chrifi, f roved from i Cor. 12.13- AH that were
of the body of Chrifi were made to drink, into one
Ifirit in the Cuf of the Lords Snpper : But no In-'
fant rras made to drinks into one (ptrit ^ for none >
fif them did drmk that Cupy 6cc.
ey^nfw. Denying ihe Minor, I anfwer to the
proof : I. To the Major ; i, Mr. T. elfevvhere
pltadeth that i Cor» 12. fpeaketh of the Church-
inviiible only , and yet now he maketh it to be
the vifible, 2 [All] is oft put for the Generali-
ty and not a proper miverfality : And it feemeth
hard to prove that every vifible member hath the
Jpirit^ which is exprefiy there faid of all the mem-
bers, though whether Baprifm and the Lords Sup-
per be included, Mr.T. elfewhere maketh difpu-
table. But I grant that it is fpoken of the Church
as vifible , and that all the members ordinarily
having Spiritm SacramentHrny are in judgement-
of charity faid to have the Spirit. 3 . But if Sa-
craments be indeed here included as he alTert-
cth, then Baptifm is firfl: included : and fo if we
prove Infants Church-members , this Text will
prove them to be baptizabie, according to Mr. T.
Kemember that. 4. But that Mr. T.'sexpofition '
is nottrue^ that every member drinketh of the Cup
in the Lords SHpfcr^ he may be turned about to
confefs himfelf : For, i. Doubtlefs he thinks that ^
this Chapter fpeaketh of the Church not only as
vifible ( if at all ) but as invifible alfo ^ and he
oft faith that many real members of Chrifts bo-
dy
dy have not the Sacrament. 2. By this his ex-
pofition, his adult Baptizing (hould not make or
prove any to be vifible Church -members till they
drink of the Cup 5 though it were a year cr ma-
ny years. 3. And no one that liveth without
the Lords Supper through fcruples fabout Church-
orders, or their own iitnefs, which are the cafes
of multitudes ^ fhould be vifible members: Nor
thofe that live where they cannot have the Sacra-
ment : Nor any Lay-man in all the Popifh Churchy
where the Cup is denied the Laity*
2. To the Minor, Infants might be baptized in-
to one fpirit by the initiating Sacrament, in ordet
to the reft to be partaked of in due time : And
as not every C^Hrch-fHffenfion^ fo NatHral-Jiffpsn-
fion of further priviledgcs, nullifieth not mem-
ber (hi p.
cJ^r. T. 2. From i Cor. 10. 17. Allth.it were
one body and one bread did -partahe of that one
bread which was broken •' ^nt no Infant did p?er-
take •
Anfw. I. Chrift and hi^ Dt fci pics did not pir^
take of it before the inditution : 2. No baptized
perfons partake of it in the interfpace between the
two Sacrsmerirs ; which with feme is a long time i
3« A baprizcd perfon may die bcfore^he drink-
eth that Cup ; or may live where it is not law-
fully to be had* 4. Church-members may be
fufpended from the Lords Table. Therefore the
text fpeakech not of everv member , but of the
ordinary comm.unJon of capable perfons.
<L^/r* T, Eph«4. 5. The whole Church is one
bodie^ and hath one Lord, and one faith : Bftt 710
Infant hath one faith ] M 2 Anfwi
( 1^4 )
y?A7/W. I. It is fpoken of the generality of the
noblell' and capable men[ibers, denominating the
Church : The Apoftle faith not that every mem-^
ber hath all thefe, but \' There is one Lord^ one
faithj &:c.J Chrift ha3 not one Lord C being
Lord himfelf as here underftood ) and yet
was a n[iember : Chrid in the womb cannot be
proved to have adually had that: one faith; and
he was long the chief member before he was ba-
ptized ; And whether ever the twelve Apoftles
were, is uncertain.
2. The Text feemeth chiefly to fpeak of the
Docirine of faith\ called objeEii've faith ^ one
Creed : And this the Church might have, and yet
not each member adually believe. For, 3, The
Parent in faith devoting himfelf and his Infant to
God , his Faith and Confent is reputatively the
Childs , who is ufed as a member of the Pa-
rents
aJMr.l^. 3'. They were no members of the vi-
fible Churchy who were left out of the nnmher of
the whole Churchy all the Believers^ the multi-
tude of the Difciples , &C4 Bnt Infants are left
vpit of the number in all "places in the New Tefla-
ment^ Ergo :
Anfw. I* Many texts fpeak of all that were
frefent only •, and many fpeak only of fuch as
the prefent matter did concern .* And it is moft
ijfual to denominate All or the Body from the Np--
ilefl and Greatefl part. If you were to defcribe
a Kingdom^ would you not fay that it is a Civil
Society of rational creatures ( or men ) confent-
ing to' the mutual Relatioi^s of King and Subjeds
: - " "^ ani
and the duties of each for the common welfare ^
You would fo define it as that Reafon^ [onfent
and Intention {how\^ be in the definition. Infants
have none of theie in ad, and yet who doubteth
but Infants are members of the Kingdom f of eve-
ry Kingdom under Heaven that I have read of? ) So
you know that we take Infants to be members of
tur Churches now : And yet is it not ufu-
al with us to fay that all the Church met to hear-,
or to do this or that ? When yet the Infants and
many others might be abfcnt.
The Texts Mr. T, alledgeth are. Ads i. 15.
The ntimher of the names together were ^hont
120.
A?if\K>,, Though I take not the Church then to
be fo numerous as fome do, yet reafon is Veafon :
Can we think that when ChriO: was feen after his
refHrren:ion of more than 500 Brethren at once ^
that only 120 of them were Chriftians ? And can
we think that Nicodemm and Jofeph of Arima^
thea and many more , were not timerous faint-
hearted Chriftians ? It's like that the text mean-
eth that this 120 was the number of thofe hold
confirmed Chriftians who fo quickly after Chrifts
death appeared in open profeilion and conjundioii
with the Apoftles, and had opportunity to afTem-
ble at that time and place.
The next is Ad. 2. i. They were all with one
accord in one place.
An[vQ, This needcth no other, anfwer than as
before. The other texts, AEl. 2. 41, 44. d- 4. 4,
:^i5,24. & 5. 11,13, 14. c^6. 1,2,7. CT- 8. i»
0^15.22. I Ccr. 14.23. need no other anfwer:
M 3 . His
(166)
His expofition would foraetimes exclude women ,
and fomeriraes many of the men : Doih he believe
no man or woman was a member of the Church,
ui!^, 15.22. who did not fend men of their oven
comfa»y Z' Nor any manor woman a member of
the C^aii'ch at Jemfdem^ that did not being fcac-
tered go ab- uc Preaching, Aci, 8, i, &c, i Cor^
J 4. it is <a;d, Ton way all prophefie^ and yet wo-
rn n ai :f loi bidden.
>//,T- 4. They were no part of the Chrijlian
Church vtfible to whom the things nfcrihed to the
whole Church did not agree : But the things afcri^
bed to the whole Chrijtian Chnrch vifble did not
agree to Infants : Ergo
A^fiv. This is fully anPvVered already. It is
moft uftial to afcribe iluit to a Church or other
Society which is done only by the moft confide-,
rable part. As 1 laid before, when rational Con-
fenr, Contrad, Intention, are afcribed to a King-
dom-y which is conftituted by the confent of King
and Subjects : and yet Infants are members who
confent nor, fave by iheir Parents. The Chnrch
meeteth to choofe a Paftor^ when yet the women
rneet not ; The Church admonifheth a faulty
member, when every woman doth not admonifh
him : Our Churches meet all to hear, when Chil-
dren meet not, whom we take for members:
Thefe are not fatisfadory allegations, being con-
trary to common ufe of words , and to many
texts of Scripture.
<iJlir, T. The Minor is proved , Matth. 16,
J Bo On tki^ Rock^ vpill J bmldmy C^urch^ viz. by
fmchir.g.
'j4^jfw. When Preaching converted the Pa-
rents, they devoted then^ifelves to God, and all
that were in their truft and power- and that
Preaching brought in by confirquence ihe Infants
that did not hear. I prove it, r. Chrift cora-
mandeth the difcipling of Nations and baptizing
them ( that is, as much as in the Preacher heth : )
But Infants are part of ihofe Nations: There-
fore he commandeth the difcipling and baptizing
of Infants, (as much as in the Preacher lay, 7
which could be done but by the fuccef> of preach-
ing on the Parents. 2. The Kingdoms of the world
iire nade the Kingdoms of the Lord and of his
Chrift : But Infants are members of all thofe
Kingdom i : But this is done at large elfe-
where.
(L^/r. T. I Cor. 1.2. called to he Saint's-^ Ad.
2.41,47. & 5. 14. They that were added to the
Church did hear and believe^ &:c,
Anfw, I will not weary the Reader with re-
peating the fame anfwers to the like things.
Mr. T. 5. They who are not reckoned Chrifls
Difciples were not vifible Church-members : Bnt
Infants are no where reckoned as Chrifls Difci-
-fUs : ergo.
j4nfw, I. What is faid before to the other
Texts anfwereth all thefe. The Adions of adule
Difciples only were in mention. 2. Infants are
called Difciples, Atis 15. as I have elfewhere
proved, on whofe neck the yoak of Circumcifi-
on was laid • And in Matth. i8. 19. when Na-
tions are to be difcipled, 3. Mr. T. himfelf confef-
fcth that Cbfiil was habitually and by defignation a
"M 4 Fro-
Trophet in hfancy^ and that fo may Jnfants ht
Dffcipies,
Air, T. 6, If i'fi the difiribntion of the mem-
bers of the Church thcn^ Infants are not comj>re-
hdnded^ thai Infants were not mpble Church-
mevf'/oers — - ■ Biu^ ike,
Anfw. I. Here he inftanceth in i. The fex.
Men and Women, 2. Jews and Gentiles , 5. Cir-
cunricifion and uncircumcifion, n:ientioned, but noc
Jnfa?:ts, But if Infants be of neither feXy male
nor female, nor of Jews or Gentiles, nor circuKi-
ci (ion nor iincircumcifion, I plead not for them.
2. If thole Texts cited by you mention not In-
fants , others do , as I have elfewhere proved ;
Qur children are called Holy, and a blefled feeda
and received by Chrift, and of fuch is the King-
dom of Gcd, ^c. And you^ confefs it of Chrift
himfelf in his Infancle, and yet. npw forget it ,
or contradid your felf. ....
Air, T. 2. / argi'ie from the common received
definitions of the vtfible Church , Ads 19. of the
fhurch of England : A congregation of faithful
men &c, ' - .
Anfw. And fo Kingdoms and all Societies that
Infants are members of, are accordingly defined,
as is aforefaid. You cannot deny ir^ And was
not the Church before Chrifts incarnation a y^f/>-
ty of faithful men , when yet you confefs that
Intanis were vifible parts of is ?
Mr, T. 3, / argue ^ They are no vifible members:
of the Chrjfiian Churchy to whom no note where--
hy a vifible Chriftian Church cr ChHrch-member"
pnp i4 dtfcernable^ doth agrfc V B^tP^^X* Crgo- —
(i69)
Jirffxv. When a man thinks only what to fay
for his caufe, and never thinks what can be faid
againft it, his judgement is of little value. !• All
that agreeth to Infants which was requifite to a
vifible Infant member before Chrifts coming ^
And do you noc confefs that they were members
then among the Jews? 2. Did nothing in Chrift
himfelf in Infancy agree wiih vifible mtmbcrlhip ?
Yts . the open Revelations of God as to a vifible
perfon : You confefs before as much as I need.
3, The effentiating qualiHcation of a Churchy
member, is Covena'dt-confcnt^ fuch as God ac-
cording to the fenfe of his offered Covenant will
accept as fuch : But Infants have this Covenant-
confent, feeing they confent by their Parents who
are entrufted to do it for them , as if they were
parts of themfelves : As the jews Infants dido
Mutual confent of Gcd and themfelves by their Pa-
rents is it that makeththem members. I have oft
wondered to read in orthodox Divines, that the
Word purely preached, Sacraments andDifcipline,
are the marks of the true Church. No doubt
but Heart'Cenfent to the Baprtfmal Covenant of
Grace makeih a fincere member of the true Church
( which the Infant doth by the Parent , ) and fro-
fejfed confent to the fame Covenant maketh a vi-
lible member (which regularly mufl be by Ba-
ptifm for inveftirure.) But a true Church may long
by perfecuticn be hindred from publick affem-
blies , Preaching , S.icraments and Difcipline ^
And may have much corruption in all ihefe.
Mr, T. maketh this mutual confent a.s tVfo
eiifijntl pretended Notes , denying either of them
to bf true mark^^ jinfvc^
(170)
Afifxr, Neither the Princes confcnt alone, nor
the Subjtds alondiiaketha Common-wealth : Nei-
ther the Husbands confent alone , or the Wives
ciaketh a marriage •, but both conjund : So here :
Mutual confent maketh a Church-member : But
fo , that Gods Confent is the Donative efficient
canfe , and tKuns confent is the receptive canfe y
which is conditio fme qua non. They that will
not impartially f^^>7i^ c/p/^/« cafes c^;?«(?rundcr-
ftand them. Your unthankful denying that God
bath made any fuch Promife, Covenant or Con-
fent , is elfcwhere confuted : And if I (hall fay
with Davena.nt and the Synod of Don that this
Covenant being the fame that is made with Pa-
rents themfelves , giveth the Children the fame
Right to Pardon and Life eternal according to
their capacity, fo that faithful Parents jlionld not
doubt cf the Salvation of their Children dying in
hifancy ( nt Synod, Dor t, Art* l,c,ij.) I could
better with them bear the confequence ( of the
fofs of Gratia Infantilis in fome at age ) than
the confequ^ius of your turning them all out of
the viiibie Church* The former I know noChri-
ftian that ever oppofcd for maiiy and many hun-
dred years after Chrift ^ and the latter the uni-
verfal Church as long oppcfed ; And yet 1 will
not fubfcribe that [ Jt is certain by the word of
God that baptiz.ed Infants dying before aQnal fn,
are certainly favedy~\ without excepting the In-
fants of Heathens or Infidels ^ wrongfully bapti-
zed.
Mr. T, 4» / argue : They who have not the
form conftituting and denomirimng a mfbU
(^hurch^
Church-member^ are not vifhle Church-wemhers^
Bnt, Ergo. Prof ejfwn of faith ^s the form con flitH-
tirtg^ &.'c.
^nfvQ. I. Covenant Confent is the forna con-
ftlcuting ex parte Recipic:7tis^ and this they have
reputa[ive!y in their Parents , whofe will is as
theirs.
2. The Jews Infants had the form conftitu-
ting a vifible member as youconfefs. And that
wa< not circumcifion -, For th;'. 'jncircumcifed fe-
iP-iies , and males too in the wildernefs were
vifible members ; Ncr was it to be born of J^wj^
For apoilate Jews forfeited it, and Profelytcs of
other Nations obtained it : But it was [by confent
to Gods Covenant.
3. And Chrift was a vifible member by Divine
Revelation. His arguings wculd make againfl
Chrifts Righteoufnefs Imputed to believers, and
jiJ.an7s or the Parents fins imputed to them.
Mr. T. 5. /f Jvfants be vifible Chrifiiati
Church-membcrs^then there may be d vifible Church-
Chrifttan which coriffs only of Infant i ofbelie-^
vers — Bnt this is . bfttrd : Ergo.
A}^fvi\ Such quibbles feem fcmething when
the Will giveih them their force, i. Infants are
members of all Kingdoms under Heaven : And
yet there neither is nor can be a Kingdom of In-
fants only. 2. Members are EJfential or Inte-*
gral. Becaufe the exercife of the faculties of the
pars Imperans and Pars fubdita is the intended
means' to the Common Good, which is the End
of Government, therefore there can 'be no Go-
yerned Society , Kingdom or other proper Poli-
cy
( ^7^3
cy of which men that have the ufe of Rcafonare'
not members : than there be feme fuch to be
the Adive part is EfTential to the Society : But'
yet Infants that are yet but viniially fuch , . are
Integral members,
Mr. T, 0. / argue ; If Infants be vlfible
Church-members , there is jome Qmfe of it •* But
there is no Caife ; Ergo
A'^fw. The Caufe efficient is Gods Revealed
Donation and Covenant Cbnfent ; The Caufe Re-
ceptive or the Condition of Reception, is Thaf
this he the Child of a Confenting believer,
Mr. T. To this i, Mr. T, denycth any fuch
Covenant of grace to the faithful and their feed
. ( which is foon faid. )
2. He faith n^ (Conditional Cove ttant fromifeth
Jufiifcation J Salvation , on Condition of faith y
and not vijible {^hurch'memberjhipj and fo belongs
to all as Mr. B. o-c,
AnfvQ, I. It giveth both Juftification and vi-
fible memberfhip^ that is, Right to boih and
many other Covenant benefits, 2. It belongeth
Conditionally to all , and Conditionally gives
union with Chrift and his Church, and Pardon and
life to aH : But aB:ually to 'none , till the condi-
tion be performed •, which is a believing Parents
confent , and regularly his Baptifmal dedica-^
lion.
Mr. T. If there were a Covenant to the faiths,
ful and their feed^ to be their God^ yet this would
tjot frove their Infants Chriftian vifihle Church"
memberfliif : jis he is. the G,od of Abraham, of
Infants dying in the vnombs of bdisveriat the hour
ofdsath--—^ ' " Artfw^
'Anfw, lis true, if they be not tbe Children
ef njifbh belicz'ers ^ becaufe they are not vifibly
capable fubjeds. But it bting fuchthat we fpeak
of, your three inllances are abufive. i, Ahra-
ham is a viliblc Church -member of the Church
Triumphant where he is. I will not beHeveyou
if you deny ir* 2. Infants of vifible Chriftians
dying in the womb , are in that degree vifible
Church-members as they arevilibleperfons : that
is. It is a known thing that they are the children
of God according to their capacity. 3. One vi-
fibly believing at the hour of death is a vifible
Church-member : One not vifibly believing be-
longeth not to cur cafe.
Mr. T. Jf all the fe which Mr. B. makes the
caitfe or condition^ may he in aci^ and the effeEh
not be^ then the caiife which Mr, B, affigneth is
7iot fnfficienti But c^c, For they may dibs bC"
fore the child is lorn.
Afifw, A me r quibble, i. Before he is born
I tell you as far as he is vifibly the cliili of a
vifible Chriftian, fo far he is a vifible unborn
member : But as to .hat degree of vifible mem-
berfhip which is proper to born baptizable In-
fants , two caufes *re wanting to the unborn :
I. Gods confent or donation : For though the
Promife as a donaii v Inftrum^nn was exilient a
thoufand years before, m effecteth net the gift
till the fubjed be Receptive or capable : God
may promife a thoufand years before in diem or
fnb condittoy;c , which fign^fyeth his qonfent that
fo and then itfhall be due , and not othcrwifeor
before. Thefe eafie things fhould not be thus
winked
(174)
winked ar. 2. The Tar ems confent Is wanting l
For though the Parent dedicate the child in the
womb to God by promife, yet he doth not de-
liver him up in the bapcifmal Covenant as a vifi-
ble perfon till he is born.
Mr. T, reciting my anfwer elfewhere faith
^It deferveth a [mile : For I r/!ake Chrifi hy his
Law or Coven ant 'grant the only caufe efficient J
The reft of his words are i. 71? tell m thatjhfti^
f cation c^c* hath a further efficient after the Co-
venant ; which caufeth Jnfiifcability^ but not aQii-
al Jufttfication without mans faith, 2. That 1
err in taking vifihle memherjlnp to be a Right, and
moral effed.
Anfvp, I take not that for the pi dure of the
wifeft man, whom the Painter draweth laughing
or fmiling. And I am now confirmed in that
fancy, i. A Tei^ament or V>^td, of Gift in di-^
em which faith At [even years end that landfall he
yoursX^z-^ be the only efficient Inftrument,long be-
fore exiftent, and yet give you no right till the
time ^ and then give it •. Becaufe it effedeth but
by fignification of the Donors will. Muft the
Chriftendom of Kingdoms be impetuoufly que-
ftioiird by men that know not fuch rudiments as
thefe ? 2. That Juftification which is given us ar
Gur believing, which is \_ our Right to Imptni--
ty and Life ] is the Immediate effed oftheCo^
venant Donation ^ and mans faith is no efficient
but a Recipient caufe of it ( As even they confefs
that call it a Receiving Inftrument : ) And yet
we have it not till we believe or confent. Who
would have thought that fuch am n as you had
., t' taken
tak^n your ovon fdth to be an efficient ciufe of
your ovon Jnfiification , and fo that you jttfiific
yoHY fclf 'f And what if one give land to you and
vour heirs ? It is none of theirs till they are in
being : And yet their hirth is no efficient caufe^
but only the caufe of the fubjeds receptive capa-
city. I am afhamedihac you put me thus to cate-
chize you.
Mr.- T. 5. //^ vifihle Chunh-wemherjlnf be
antecedent to the inter efl u fcrfon hath in the
Covenant-^ then the Co'venant is not the canfe of
it. But ere. Ergo
Anfvc, Theword[Intereftlmay fignifie ihelnte-
reft that fallen mankind hath in the Covenant as
conditional antecedent to mans confent : And
thus I fuppofe neither you nor I here fpeak of
it. But if by my Interefl you mean, that I am
the perfon to whom the Covenant giveth a pre-
fent Right to its benefits, I anfwer, Some bene-
fits follow long aker : but when I confenr,then
I am the perfon to whom the Covenant giveth t
frefcnt Right to union with Chrifi^ in the Brft in-
fant and confequcntly with his Church or body
in the fecond : fo that here is no iuch thing as
your feigned memberfhip before Covenant in-
terefl, that is, before a Right to that Relation
by Gods donation. And as to your former
dream that this is not a Right and n;oral effcd
but a fhyfical , it was your felf a ad n^t t that
fubjeded you to the fhame of fuch analfertion,
which 1 will no more confute.
Mr. T. 6. If the Covenant ^c, be the only
efficient ^ then Infants bought Orphans p/ Turks,
117 W-
t^hofly at our difpofe , are no vifihle member f^
j4nf\v> No friend of truth will run into the
dark with a conrroverfie, and argue a minm mtis^
Many judicious Divines think that Gods Cove-
nant with Ahrahami Infants born in his houfe ,
proveththat two things go to make up the capacity
of an Infant for baptifm : i. That he be his own
and at his dijpofe who ofFereth him to God. 2<;
Tha^ he be offered or dedicated by a C^rifenting
Ovpn^r* Now their reafon is becaufe if they be
our own, v^e have the difpofe of them for their
good, and our wills are theirs. But the cafe is
moft clear about thofe that by Generation are our
oiv/Zjand darker about thofe that are by Adoption or
fiirchafe our own. Now here you do nothing but
deny the darker f which you cannot difprove ) and
thence the plainer which we have fully proved,
Mr. T. 7. // the (Covenant or Law with the
Tarents aBi'tal faith without frofeffion , make not
the Varent a vifihle Chnrch-rnemhery neither doth
it the child. But — Ergo.
Anjw, I grant both major and minor : He
that is not known to have faith, is notavifibfe
adult member : And he that is not known to be
the ( juftly reputed ) child of a profefTed belie-
ver , is not an Infant Church-member. And
what's this to our controverfie ? Heart confent
maketh a my ft leal or invifible Chriftian and mem-
ber , and Profeffed belief ( that is , Believing
Confent ) maketh a vifihle member of .the pa-
rent , and is necclTary to the vifible member/hip
Qi the child : If I may call that Making them^
which
(^77)
which is but the Difpofition of the material Re^
eeftive conflitutive caufe. It's pitty we fhould
haveneed toa'kac this rate.
Mr. T. 8.7/" ferfons are vifhle Church-menj'-
hers and not hy the (/yvenant vf Graces then it
is not true that Chrifi ly his Law or Covenant
is the fole efficient of vifible Church-memberjhip*
The minor is -proved in Judas and hypocrites,
Anfw. I . They are not the fole efficient •, Gods
Love and mercy alfo is e(ficient.
2. You profefs your felf that the name [] Chri-
ftian and Church-member ] are equivocal as to
the fincere and ihe hypocrites : If they be not
the fame things, no wonder if they have not the
fame caufes. That Donation or Covenant may
be the fole neareft Inftrumental efficient of True
memberfhip, and yet not of Equivocal.
3. God who is our Paternal Beneficient Ru-
ler doth give fome of his benefics by his Law or
Covenant abfolutely and antecedently to mans
conditions , and fome confequently as Rewards :
And Gods Laws having firft a Preceptive part,
as ^well as a Donative or Premiant , a Right m.ay
accrue in foro ecclef<& to an hypocrite from than
precept : As e, g, God antecedently dorh by his
Covenant give the world an Impunity as to the
punifhment of Drowning it : And fo by Ji is com-
mon Law of Grace he givcth the world many
common mercies by a Redeemer , and perhaps
many by that you call a phyfical ad , immedi-
ately. And by his Law he ( having given a con-
ditional pardon and life to all ) commandeth his
Miniflers to offer it, and All men to Accept it,
N and
and bis Minifters to judge by mens profeffion, and
to ufe profeffed Accepters as real ; becaufe we
cannot fee the heart. This being fo , when the
hypocrite profelTeth his confenr, the Law obligeth
the Minifter and Church to receive it , by which
in foro eccle/tah^ hath aright to his Church fta-
tion. And Chrift himfeif called Juda^^ and fent
him out to Preach , and his mandates were as
Laws. So that the Right that an hypocrite hath,
he hath by theLaw which obligeth theChurch to ufe
him as a true believer , upon his profeffing to be
fuch. None of this can be denyed. But fniids
was called immediately by Chrift himfeif •, and
his {^follow me ] was a precept which gave him
a Right to his Relation.
Mr. T. 9. Jf Infants are vifble members by
the Covenant on Condition that the Parents 3cc„
then either the next Parents or in any generati^
en precedent &c.
Anfw, The next Parents that are Owners of
the' child, and have the truft and power ofdif-
pofing of him or covenanting for him : And the
Reafon is, becaufe they have !• THat Prof riety^
and 2. That tntft and power.
Mr. T. 10. J f an Infants vifthleChHrch-meni'
herfhip be by the Covenant on the Parents aUaal
believing , and not a bare profepon^ then it is a
thing that cannot be knovpn^ &c.
Anfw. I pitty Readers that muftbe troubled
with fuchkind of talk. i. The Right pi the
child is upon |~ the Believing Parents dedication
of that child to God by coafenting that he
be in the mutual Covenant, ~}
2. Heart
2. Heart confent known only to God givcth
no Right coram ecclefia^ known to men, but only
tofuch mercy as God who only knoweih it, givcth
without the Churches judgtraenr.
3. Believing and profeiiion qualifie for Right-
in the Judgement both of God and of the
Church.
4. Profefiion without confenting faith, quali-
fieth for Ri;i:^ht, in the Churches judgement accord-
ing to Gods Command, who biddetli them To judge
and do : Wrangle nor againft plain truth.
Mr. T. II. If other Chriflian ^riviledgeshe
not conveyed by aC^ovenant ufon the Parents f^ithy
rvithoHt the pcrfons own ath and confent^ then
mither this. But &c. Not to be a Bdievsr ^ a
difctphy a zJ^inifier.j a Son oj God — Thsre is
the like reafonfor them as for this.
zy^nfw. Priviledges are i. Proper to the adulr,
( thofe concern not our cafe, as to be Alimfters)
or common to them with Infants : 2. Priviled-
ges confift either in Fhyfical qualities or other
rhyfical accidents ( and chefe are given by phyfcal
jiciiony and fuch is Knowled^e^ Belief Love ,
Gifts of utterance^ healthy Sec) Or in Rrrht
and Moral Relation^ ( Ji^i Debitum^ oblt^atto )
Thefe are given hy Moral means ^ that is by Z^-
nifcation of the Donors willy by precept ( obli-
g\ngy) prom if e ox ftgnal Donation y which is the
Inftrument of conveyance by that fignificatioii
( As a Tcftament, Deed of Gift, Ad ofpardon
a:id oblivion, &c, are among men. ) Now do v-u
think thatthereafonof P/n'/2L-^/^<^/m>/ andi^/<7-
ralRighiSjRelattons and dunes is the lame ?
N 2 2. As
2. As a Difciplc , or believer, fignifieth one
that is Repmacively fuch jure Relattonisy and as
a Son 0/ G'j^ liguiiieth an Adopted heir of heaven^
loved of God as a reconciled father in Chrifl ]
fo Infants are fuch : You fay f after J that Chrtfl was
habi:k.alLy and by defignsLtion the Head and Prophet
of the liourch in Infancy , 2nd /^ mihgt Infants
be difciples : And will you now deny it ? Again
I will fay though it offend you, that there is no
trufcing to that mans jndgement that looketh all
( or partially ) on one fide , and fludiech fo ea-
g2*'ly what will ferve his caufe, as that he can-
not- nr'rid what niay be (aid againft it. See here
what two abhorainations you thruft onyourpit-
tiful followers (which yet I know you hold not
your felf , but the heat of your fpirit in dcfire
of vi(5tory draweth you to fay you nnind not
what) You conclude that none is \ A Son of
God J without hi< own confent : And fo I. AH
Infants are certainly fhut out of Heaven : for
they are no Sons of God without their confent
( neither by Eledion, Chrifts intercellion , Co-
venant or Gift ; ) And I think you will not fay
that they confent : And if no fons^ no hetrs ; For
the Inheritance is only of children : And if no
fons ^ then are they not Regenerate^ which is'
but to be made fons of God by anew Generati-
on, and renewed to his Image. And do you
damn all Infants >
2. And confider whether you deny not Chrift
in Infancy to have been the Son of God accord-
ing to his humane nature ? For you can never ,
prove that in that nature he a^mlly confcnted
. in
in the womb or in his Infancy. But partralay
is rafhand blind.
Mr. T. 12. Jf there be no Law or or din mice
of Cjod unrepealed by which either thi<s Infant
vifible Church-member flip is granted^ or the lifi-
ing of Infants or entring into the vifible Church
Chrijiian is made a duty , then it is not a canfe
of Infants vifible Charch-memberjloip which Mr«
B. ajfignsydcc.
Anfw, I have here proved to you fuch a Law
and Covenant before Chrifts Incarnation , and
formerly at large proved it to becominued and
renewed by fpccial fignification of Chrids will
fince his Incarnation in the Gofpel. Review
now your pittiful Reafons againft it.
N 3
The Second Tart :
A
CONFUTATION
O F THE
I Strange Forgeries
Againft ihe
ANTIQUITY
O F
Infant Baptism^
And of his many Calumnies ag;ainft
iTiy Self and my Wiicings, with a Cata-
logue of 5 6 New ComiTiaadments and
. Dodrines^ which he and the Secta-
ries who joya with him in thofc
Calumnies fecm to own.
^ 1 — — -- - -
By ^chard 'Baxter.
LONDON^ Printed for Ncvil Simmns
and Jonathm Rch^nfon. 1675.
(i85)
The P R E F A C £•
SECT. L
1, of Co?itroverfies : 2. Oftheivetght
of this Controverfie.
I
^* I. 'T^T is a thing that all are not duely irt^
formed oi^Howfar ControverfialWri^
tings and DijpHtes are to be fra^i^
fed by pous and feaceable men ?
And here ( as in almoft all things elfe ) men are
hardly cured of one extream but by another.
L No doubt but the extream which hath
far moft injured the Church of Chrift, hath been
the excef of Dijputing s and given juft occafion to
Sr. H. W.'s motto, [_ The Itch of Dijputing makes
the Scab of the Church , "1 which is eafily dif-
cernable, both in the Caufe and the Effects.
5^. 2. I. In the caufe it is too notorious , that
ordinarily it proceedeth from the depravation of
the three faculties of the foul , Toteftative , In-
tslUBrje , V<ilitiv€ , ia the three great Prin-
ciples
CxB6)
cipks of iniquity, Pride , Ignorance and wrath:
0. 3, !• Did not Pride caufc men much to
overvalue their oven farts 2lx\^ worthy Cohtrover-
fie would have fhrunk into a narrower cdmpstfs
before this day : Men would have come to one
another as friends to be viformed of what they
know not, by enquiry and gentle conferences, if
not as children to School, to leai*n : And if. grace
by hard fludies had given one man more infight
intc^ any matters than another, hunlility would rea-
dily have acknowledged Gods gifts, antl defired to
have the benefit of a friendly communication -
and whereever God had fct up a light y the Chil-
dren of his family would have been ready to
work by it t It v<^ould not have httw fo hard as
now it is for an Ignorant man to know his Igng-
rance^ nor to difcern when another knoweth mofe
than he.
^. 4. But now , alas ; a multitude that under-
ftand not half their Cacechifm hear their
Teachers as Matters hear their Scholars , to know
whether they fay their lefTon welJ or not : And
the Preacher that faith as they would have him,
may pafs for orthodox at leaft, if not for a very
wife man, becaufe he is, fo far, as wife as they:
But if he will prefume to teach them more than
they know, they fufpec^ him of herefie, and the
repetition of his Sermon which they make, is to
mangle fome fentences which they had not wit
enough to underftand, and thence to proclaim
( or whifper abroad at leaft ) that the Preached
hath fome dangerous errors, ( and doth not know
fo much as they-, ) unlefs it be fome lufciousun^-
whole-
wholefom notions that he offereth them, or be a
militant wrangler and would lift them under him
as his troop , to ferve him in fome new raifed
war, and then corrupt nature can magnitie novel-
ties as if they were new revelations from Hea-
ven.
^. 5. And O that the TV^c^^rj Wanted not the
fenfe of their intellectual imperfedions , as well
as the people I But too many think that when
they are all ordained into the faire office^ the ho-
nour of the fame office is equally due to them all,
and confequently all that honour of Knovpledge^
Tarts and Piety^ without which the honour of the
office cannot be well kept up. And fo when they
all walk in the fame robes and are called by the fame
titles, matters which they never underftocd, mull
pafs according to the major vote , or at leaft, they
mufl not be contradided , nor their igno-
rance made known : And therefore when they
have owned or tittered a Dodrine or Sentence ,
their honour is engaged to make it good •, And
they find a far eafier way to make oftentation of
the Knowledge which they have not , by robes ,
titles and big words, than to macerite their bo-
dies by imploying their minds in (crious Icng un-
wearied ftuilies, till they have received into their
minds the well digefted frame of facred truths.
^. 6. And if this tribe can keep the major vote
( as it muft be a ftrangely happy country where
they do not ) whoii^er will be wiftr than they ^
iVall be a heretick. But if it fall out better, and
they be the weaker fart^ they will make up their
honour by the way oi [jnguUrity among fem^ny as
they
they can get to believe, that they arc mafters of
fome excellent truths which almoft all the Chri-
(tian world is unacquainted with.
^. 7. And even in men otherwife truly pious,
there is fo much remaining j)ricie as is greatly
gratified by /insularity : SelfijhneJ^ and the Old
man are but One^ And an opinion that is peculi-
arly their o\vn^ is as lovely to them, as their own
Children in comparifon of others: Ifthey can fay,
ego frimtu inveni , it is fweeteft : If not, yet to
be one of a lingular Society, that is fuppofed wi-
fer, and better and more excellent in their way of
worfliip than all others, is very comfortable to
tbem^ that by taking the eleA to be fewer than
they are, do judge it a good mark to hold what
few hold, and do as few do,
^» 8. And there may be a conjunllion pf good
and evil in the cau[e of thefe effeds.
And from hence we now live among many that
fall into various kinds of Sefts , and every one
hopeth for the comforts o^ fingularity in their
way. Many turn Quakers, becaufe they diXtfingalar^
in their aufteritics : And many Congregations will
not endure the finging of Gods Praife in Pfalms,
at leaft in Davids Pfalms ^ and fome will not have
the Scriptures read , and fome are againft hu-
mane learning and ftudies, and fome againft
Preaching upon a Text, and Praying before and
after Sermon, and fome againft ordinary Family-
worfhip, and many ftartle if they hear the Creed,
the Lords -Prayer and Commandments ; and hence
alfo the Dodrine of denying all Chriftians In-
fants Church-member fliip hath profpered.
^. 9, And
^. 9. And too many honeft perfons in oppo-
ficion to ungodlinefs , are difaffeded to lawful and
laudable things in the worfhip of God meerly
becaufe the Vngodly ufe them : When as expe-
rience telleth all the world , that they that have
no Religion in fincerity, will ufually joyn with
the Religion that is uppermort ; And fo if good
Rulers and Teachers fet up that which is beft,
the befl: will be outwardly the way of the ungod-
ly •, and if we muft needs be (ingular from them
wc muft take the worft , and leave them the
beft : to their felf deceit and our fhame.
5$ 10. I have thought by this weaknefs of fome
fingular people , that, if God fhould but let us
have a King and other Rulers that were Anti-
nomians , and againft Infant Baptifm, and againft
finging Pfalms, and againft the ufe of the Creed
and Lords Prayer , and fuch other things , and
withal were themfelves of wicked lives, and would
make Laws for their own way, and impofe it
on the people , fo that the ungodly multitude
did fall into this way, it would prefently cure
moft that are now for fuch opinions : And though
the Godly and the wicked muft be greatly dif-
ferenced in the Church , yet before we are
aware , our fecret Pride fets in with this defire
of difcipline, and maketh us much defire to feena
eminently Good^ by a more notable and confpi-
cuous difference from the common fort of Chri-
ftians than God in Scripture or reafon doth al-
low.
2. And how much Jgrnrance hath to do in all
our
Cipo)
our controverfies , would foon be acknowledg-
ed if the queftion concerned hot our felves :
For every difputer accufeth his adv erf ary of J^-
norance : If they be of ten minds ( inConfitknt^
nine of them muft needs be erroneous , and there-
fore Ignorant , and yet every one chargeth it on
the reft, and thinks that he alone is free. , Alas,
that mans foul, which here muft ;^d in fuch a
puddle of brains , and in fo frail a receptive en-
gine as it here ufeth. (hould have fuch high and
confident thoughts of its own untryed and un-
digefted conceptions that will not let Ignorance
be acknowledged or cured / Moft certainly we
are all fo dark and weak, that it is but a/(?W7 G'r^^t
necejfary things, or fuch as are very fldn , which
we have caufe to be confident of , without all
fufpicion of miftake. Moft certainly natural dulnefsy
or fhort and fuperficial ftudies ,-through (loth or
diverfions, or want of right teachers, or an ear-
ly reception of wrong methods or opinions, lead-
ing unto more, and many fuch caufes, doih and
will keep not only moft Chriftians , but moft
Teachers of the Church in fo low a meafure
of Knowledge , as unficteth them to ' mafter
and manage very difficult controveriies : And yet
fad experience telieth us, that he that h leaft able to
fpeakjis oft leaft able to hold his tongue ^ And it's too
rare to find a man that is not Ignorant of his Igno-
rance,and that chargeth not him with Pride that will
prefumc to contradid him. What wonder then
ifdifputes beendlefs?
<^. 12.?. And that wrath is in the caufe neetfs
no proof but experience, v/hile we fee men come
funh
ynh with^ militant difpofitions, and animofitv
is their valour, and how to make their adverfaries
feem contemptible or odious is their work.
0. 13. 2. And if I fhould but open to you
the Difputing evil, in the effen:s as I have done
in the Canfis^ what a woful tragedy, of 1500
years duration , ihouldjl prefent you with ? Bur
I rtiall put off that part of the work, fuppofing
that fight and experience do inform you more
eiledually than words can do.
^. 14. On all thefe accounts I flili fay as
Tafil, The fervant of the Lord nuifl not ( need-
lelly ) flrive^ nor meddle with thofe wranglings
which minifter jQHcflions rather than godly
edifying which is in faith : For the end of the
Commandment is Love out of a pure hearty and
^ good Confcience and faith tmfeig?ied : And the
high pretenders are too often ][^ frond ^ know-
ing nothings but doting about <^ueftions and/rz/e; of
words '^ whereof cometh envy ^ ft^if^ -i railing y
evil furmijingy perverfe dtfpiittngs of men of cor^
y-upt mmds and deftttuteof the truth,
<. 15. II. But yet for all this, as Politici-
ans ufe to tell Tyrants , that if God and wm\
did but fecurethem from all refiftancc, men would
flie from them as from Tigers or Crocodiles,
and fuppofc their boundlefs uncontrouled pride and
cruelty would be infatiable •, fo I fay or Hereti-
lical and truly Schifmatical Contenders, that If
they were oncefecured that whatever foily ^ he-
reiie, or ungodly mifchievous conceits they vend,
and that with the greateit induflry and turbulen-
(192)
cy to deceive the people , no man yet muff:
contradid them, nor open their folly that it may
be known to all, and go no further, for fear of
being taken for a nian of difputation, controver-
fie and ftrife , this would fo embolden them to
attempt the fedudion of all forts of people, that
no place would be fafe or quiet.
^. 1 6, It is a foolifh pretence of peacea-
blenefs and quietnefs, to ftand by in filence for
fear of our own or others trouble , and fee
well-meaning people feduced , Chrift and his
truth and name abufed , and God difhonoured ,
and his Churches fhaken , and made a fcorn
and fcandal to the world , and all for fear of
being accounted contentious. If it be lukewarm
( as they fay themfelves ) to hear dayly f wea-
rers , curfers, fcorners , and fuch other prophane
finncrs , and not give them a clofe reproor or
admonition, fo much more is it to fee or hear
hurtful falfhoods publifhed as the precious truths
of God, and not to contradid it, nor endeavour
to fave mens fouls from the infedion. If Sa-
tans work mull be done without refiftance as oft
as a miftaken well-meaning man will do it, there
will be little fafety for the flocks.
^. 17. When Paul fore-told the Ephefians
of two forts that would affault them, viz.. Grie-^
vom devouring wolves, and men arijing among
themfelves that would (peak ferverfe things ta
draw away dtfciples after them^ his conclufion
is ^Therefore watch ] .• And what that watching
is he tells Timothy^ The mouths of fuch deceivers
ciuft be fiopped : not by force^ for that Timothy
had
(^93)
had no power to do ; but by evidem trnth. And
Trmh hath a fower in its evidence^ if it be but
rightly opened and managed. And were it not
that God in all ages had enabled fome of his
fervants, faiihtully and clearly to vindicate truth,
and defend found dodrine , and hold fall: the
form of wholefome words, and (lop ihe mouth
of ignorant prtde that wrangleJi againft them,
what had bexrome of us long agoe ? And though
illdifputes have done much mifchief, and too often,
difputing fuccedeth more according to the Parts^
interefts or advantages of the Difputers , than
according to the evidence of truth : Yet for alJ
fuch abufes 5 Truth mud be defended, anditfind-
eih fomething even in nature (as bad as man is ^
to befriend it •, few love a plain falil.ood, unlefs
where intereft greatly bribeih them : And upon
tryal Truth will at lafb prevail , where fin doth
not provoke God in judgement to leave men to
thcdelufions which they chufe.
^. 1 8. If then the way be to Teach and
Learn , and quietly open the evidence of truth^
and in meek^efs to inftm^ thofe that oppofe them-
felves , and to avoid contentions as we avoid
vpars , till other mens afTtults do make them
unavoidably neceflary •, and yet not to be cow-
ardly ^err^ytri of the Truth and Church of God,
nor fuffer Satan to deceive men anrefifted, but
earneftly to contend for the faith once delivered
to the Saints^ It muft be confidered, I . To v/hom
this earneft contending may be ufed, . I J. And
by whom.
Q 4. 19.
it 1
f iP4 J
f. 19. I. We muft not be ever Jharp or
■ earnefiy i. With ihofe that are yet/r4;z^eri ro
Religion , of tv^op converfion there is hofe^ and
who are liker to be won by a gentler way, which
more dcmonftrateth love and tendernefs, 2 T/w.
2.25,26.
^. 20. 2. Nor with Go^ly Chrifiians who
fall into fuch (ins e/ infirmity as we are I y able
to , and whofe tendernefs maketh conapaffionate
tender dealing fitteft to their recovery, GaU 6.
I? 2, 3.
5^. 21. 3. Nor with humbled de jelled Chri-
ftlans who are apter than we to aggravate their
o,wn faults, and have need of comfort, to reftrain
their forrows and keep them from defpair, 2 Cor*
2. 7.
55. 22. 4^ Nor with finners that under con-
verfion and repentance are humbHng themfelves
by confeflion to God and man, Luk. 15. Philem,
10,16,17.
^. 23. 5. Nor with Chriilians that differ
from us in tolerable matters , and manage their
differences but with tolerable infirmities , not ha-
zarding the fafety of the Church or mens
fouls.
p. 24. But in thefe cafes we muft ufe flain*[
nefs y jharfncfs and earneftmfs, 1. When in •
fecret ( where mens honour with oihers is not
concerned^ it is neceffary to mens convict: on and
repentance ^ i, Becaufe of the Greatnefs of the
fin or error , which will not be known if it be
not truly opened and aggravated. 2. Or by
reafon
reafon of the hard-heartednefs or obftinacy of
the (inner , that will not be convinced or humbled
by eafier means.
5^. 25. 2. And when we arc called fo to ad-
monifli a publick Tinner for his crinles or here-
fies , which muft be opened as they arc, before
he will be convinced and humbled openly before
the Church.
^. 26. 3; And when the people or Churdi
is in danger of being infe<^ed by the fin or er-
ror , if the evil of it be not fully and plainly
opened,and the (inner rehnk^d before ally that others
way hervare*
0. 27. 4. When the offender or he-
rerick (heweth us by his obftinacy , that we have
no caufe to cxpcft his cure and convidion, but
are only to defend Gods truth and mens fouJs
againft him , then he muft be ufed as Chrift did
the Pharifees : and as Rulers execute malefadors
not for their own good^ but for the warning of
others aad prefervation of the innocent »
^. 28. 5. And when our gentle fpeechcs
tend to fcandalize thofe without , and make them
think that we prevaricate and favour Chriftians
in their fin?.
<• 29. All thefc cafes you may fee proved
1. In Nathans dealing mth David, andChrifts
with Pmr, Matth. j6,2Lnd Pauls^ GaL 2. &C»
2. In Panls dealing with the ince(^uous man ,
I Cor, 5. and Peters with Ananidi and his wife.
I Tim, 5. 20. Thim that fm rebuke before all^
C^Ct zTim, 4. 2,Tit,i. 13. Rebuke them jliarply
that they may he found in the faith ( cnttingly )
O 2 Ttt,
i i
Tit. 2. ly. Rehnks W'/V^ all ^wfW/Vj' ; efpecially
when we deal with Tnttriors who muft be hum-
bled. Tit, 3, 10, II. Mat. 23. throughout:
And Eit's gentlenefs or remifnefs is our warn-
ing.
<C. 30. IT. And as to the ^erfons who n:iuft
ufe this jharp^efs and earneftnefs againft errors
and finners in contending for the faith, i. It is
not thofe who overvalue their own conceptions,
and grow fond of all that ispecuUarly their own,
and infolently take all men to be enemies totriith
and fairh and godlincfs, who are adverfaries to
their odd opinions. 2. Nor muft inferiors rife
up with infolency againft fuperiors, or the young
againft their elders, and the ignorant againft
the wife , on pretence of a zealous ftanding for
the truth ; Though they may humbly and mo-
deftly defend that which is truth indeed. 3.
Nor fhouid unftudyed Chriftians prefently think
hardly of any party and backbite them, and in-.
veigh againft them , becaufe their Leaders call
them hereticks or reproach them as erroneous
dangerous men : ( asalmoft ail parties do againft
each other, ) 4. Nor fhouid ihofe Miniflers
who have not a through infighx into a Contro-
verfie , meddle much with it , nor be too for-
ward to reprove and reproach where they dio
not underftand, nor to undertake difputes which
they cannot manage. 5. But as God doth in-
dow men with various gifts, if each man were
imployed according to his talent, aii would have
their honour and comfort, and the Church the be-
nefit of them all. ^'Si*
CiP7)
^. 31. We have notorioufly all thefe forts
ofMinifters in the world, i. Carnal, proud and
worldly hypocrites , who are enemies to that
which is againft their pride and worldly intereft :
Thefe contend malignantly againft Godlinefs.
2. Ignorant, idle, fleflily droans , that eat and
drink and mind the world, but meddle not much
with controverfies. 3, ProfefTors of Religious
zeal , who efpoufe fome fingular dividing way ,
and turn all their ftudies to make good their mi-
ftakes ^ who have laudable abilities perverted
by prejudice, error and intereft. 4. Honeft Prea-
chers that ferve God in practical preaching •,
but being but half ftudied in fome controverfies,
are yet as forward and bufie in difputing , cen-
furing and reproving diflfenrers, as if they knew
as much as the caufe requireih. I would ail thefe
would meddle with no controverfies , but what
great neceflicy : in plain and certain cafes calls
them to. 5 . We have many humble truly God-
ly men, who as they are confcious that they
are not well ftudied for controverfie , fo they
meddle not with it but lay out themfelves in
preaching the truths that we all agree in, and do
God and his Church much fervice in quietnefs
and peace : Thefe are the men that the Church
is mofl beholden to, 6. Some are judicious
and very fit for controverfie, but too cold in the
pradical part of Religion. 7. Some excellent
holy men ("like Jii^uftine) have fo digefted the
matter , as to be able to defend the truth againft
all adverfaries and live accordingly. Only thefe
two laf^ forts fhould be imployed in fuch difputes.
O ; SECT.
rip8)
SECT/IL
Of the weight arid nature of the frefent contra-;
verjie*
^. i.T think it a matter in this diftrac^ed age^,
JL which you may be much concerned in ,
to know what weight is tobe laid on thecontro-
verfic about Jnfant Bapcifm that you may nei-
ther come too fhort nor go too far. For my
part , when the Chriftian Parent ( or owner )
to whom God in Nature and Scripturje hath intru-
fled the Infant , doth heartily dedicate him to
God the Father, Son and Holy Ghoft, and con-
fent that he ftand related according to the Bap-
tifmal Covenant , I am none of thofe that be-
lieve that God who is a Spirit, layeth fo much
upon the application of the water , as to damn
any fuch Infant meerly for the want of it. And
though I cannot fubfcribe to as much more, as
fome would have me ( who think fo much bet-
ter of their own underftandings than ever any
evidence perfwaded me to do, as to judge them-
felves worthy to be Creed-makers for all others,
yea and to be called The Church it felf^ ) yet
I approve of the fcvcnteenth Canon of the Sy-
nod of Dort Art, I . that \_ faithful Parents have,
710 caufe to doubt of the falvatiof of their children
dying in Infancy 7\
^. 2. And I hope all the pious Anahap^
tifis themfelves do virtually though not adual-
f Ipp)
ly devote their children to God, and confcnt to
their Covenant relation, while they vehement-
ly plead againft it. For furely they have fo
much natural afFeft ion, that if they did think that
God would be a God in fpecial Covenant with
their children, and pardon their Original fin, and
give them right to future life, upon the Parents
dedication and confent, they would undoubtedly
accept the gift, and be thankful ? And I believe
moft of them would fay , |^ / would do all that God
intrufieth and enahkth me to doy that my child
may be a child of God^and I would give him up
to God and accept any mercy for him as far as Gdd
doth author iz.e me fo to do,^
^» 3. And if Parents and Owners will not
confent that their children be in Covenant with
God and be baptized, I am not yet fatisfied what
remedy we have , nor who can do it for them
to as good cfFed. For if any one may do it ^
as fome plead , then all Heathens children may
be fo ufed and faved ; And he that perfwadeth
me that there is extant fuch a Covenant orpro-
mife of God that he will fave every Heathens
child that is but by any one brought to baptifra»
I • He muft fhew me that text where this promift
is, 2. And when he hath done , he will leave
me perfvvaded that God will fave all Heathens
Infants whether baptized or not. i. Becaufe I
and ten thoufand more Chriftians would fit in
our clofets and offer to God a\l the Infants in
the world •, that is, confent that he be their re-
conciled God, and they his children and in Gove-
qam with him ; what good roan would not defire
O 4 their
(200)
their falvation? 2. And I fhauld not eafily be-
lieve that God will damn them all raeerly for wane
of a ftrangers confent to favethem, were that
wanting. 3. Much lefs that when we do con-
feiit a thoufand or ten thoufand miles ojf^ that
aH the children e. g. in China or Siana (hall be
baptized and faved , that this ilall not hinder
their damnation meerly becaufe the Infants and
we are fo diftant that we cannot in fight and
prf/ewc^ offer them to God : furely if my confent
thac a TarlqdciM be baptized and faved will do
it if he were with me, it may do it a mile off:
and if fo, then ten thoufand miles off. 4. And
if I be impowred to confent ^ I fhall never believe
that the bare wane of the -water will damn him,
who hath all things elfe that God hath made ne-
ceffary to his falvation (zs I fiid before. J I think
they give too much to Baptifm , who fay that
God will either fave any one by it , who want-
eth other things neceflary to falvation, or that
he will damn any for want of it( that is, of the
wafhing of the body ) who want nothing
elfe which is neceffary to falvation. And I
doubt they that fayotherwife will prove difho-
nourers of the Chriftian Religion, by feigning it
to be too like to the Heathenifh fuperftition, laying
mens falvation on a ceremony as of abfolutc ne-
ceffity : And I am confident it is contrary to
Chrifts redoubled leffon. Go learn what that
meaneth^ I will have mercy and not facrifice :
And no men Oiallunteach me this great and com-
fortable leffon , which Chrift hath fo induft^i-
oufly taught rae, and which hath been long writ-
ten
ten fo deeply on my heart , as hath made all
unmercifnl ferfecuttons and feparattons^ and ali-
enations very difpkaling lo me,
<^. 4. I have proved afterwards that even
(tAngiijiine himfelf doth as on great deliberaiioa
alTert that where the Miniftry of baptifm is not
defpifed, Heart converfton without it fufficeth to
falvation in the adult : And no fcripture or rea-
fon doih make it abfolntely ncccffary to InfantSy if
not to the adult,
^. 5. And if Heathens Infants are not dam«
ned metjrly for want of outward baptifm, nor yet
for want ohht confent of others (either becaufe
that other mens confentwhoare (Irangers toihem
is not necefTary to their falvation , or if it be
neceffary they have it at a diftance ) then it will
follow that all the Infants of Heathens are in a
ftate of falvation, unlefs fomewhat el fe be yet pro-
ved neceffary to it : And if they are all faved,
then fo are all Chriftians Infants alfo , or clfe
they are more miferable than Heathens, And i£
you can firft believe that the Infants of all Infi-
dels, Athcills, and ungodly Chriftians^hypocritesJ
have a promife of falvation, you will next be in^
dined to think better of their Parents flatethait
God alloweth you : And where is this pro-
mife?
^, 6. Some fay that the new Covenant gi-
veth grace and life to all that do not ponere obicew.
'But I mufi have Gods Covenant in his own terms^
that I may have it in his own fen fe^ if I will be
alTured of the benefits, Nen ponere obicem (ig-
nifieth plainly no A^tm or pofittvc qualification
as
^202)
asneceflary, but only zfte^ationof hmtcontnty
adion : And it is certain that the terms of Gods
Covenant to the adult are clean contrary ., It is
not. he that neither Believeth nor oppofeth faith
jhall be faved^ or he that doth neither good nor
harm , as a man in an apoplexy , or afleep ;
But r he that believeth fhall be faved , and he
that velieveth not jhail he damned ^ And except
ye repent ye jhall all perijh ^ And without holi^
nefs none flmll fee God : J But a meer negation is
no holme fi,
^. 7. And if any will feign another Cove-
nant for Infants , let him fhew what and where
it is \ for I know but one Covenant of graccj
which taketh in the Infants with the Anthoriz^ed
ParentSy whofe members or Ov^n God taketh them
to be, and requireth a pofitive believing confent
and dedication to God, as the pofitive condition :
which is more than a Negative ( non ponere obi*
cem , ) though performed by the Parent for the
child : And fo the promifes throughout the Scri-
pture run io i\\t faithful and their feed.
5^. 8. I know that God promifeth to blefs
children ^^r<?//^/? many generations ^iot their faithful
Anceftors fake : But that is on fuppofition that fi-
delity continue in the line, and that apoftafie
make no intercifion. Elfe all fhould be blefTed
for the fake ofiVt?^, even C^4w's poller ity as well
as Shem*s,
^, 9. What then is the thing madenecefla-
ry ( and fufficient ) by the Covenant to their
falvation , but that they be the /^f^ of the faith-
ful devoted by them to God^ that is , that their
I
C203)
Tarents nainral , or at lead civil , whofe Ov^n
rhey are , and have the power of difpofing of
them for their good , do enter them by con-»
f(ent into the Covenant with Chrift ? which it
is fuppofed that Faithful Parents virtually did
before, and will aSinally do when God doth call
them to ir.
^. 10. As to them that fay , ]jhc thing
further neceff^ry as the condition of the Infants
acceptance and falvation \s [^ A fromife to edu^
cate the {^hild as a Chriftian if he live ] I an-
fwer, J. That promife indeed is included in his
dedication and confcni; •, 2. But who but the
Owners of the child are capable of making fuch
a promife ? funlefs is feconds promifin^. chat the
Owners iha^l do their duty ) : For only he that
pwneth him can edccace him ( by himfeif or
others) or dtfp^e, oi him for his cducadon :
who hath power > Jifpofe of another mans child ,
and educate him ? faey that undertake as fure-
ties to do it , in cafe ihe Parents apofiatize or
Me , do plainly imply, i. That till then it is
the Parent that is intrufved to do it -, and there-
fore that the Parent muft confent to do it 5 and
therefore that the Parent mul^ enter his child
jn the Covenant of Chrift : 2. And that if
the Parents apoftatiz^e or die ^ they will take
the child themifelves as their Own ^ or elfe
by what power can they educate him or difpofc
of him >
<. II. They that fay, God did not fave one for
the faith or confent of another ^ muft remember,
I. That we are all faved for the meritoriom
Krgh^
(204)
Right eoufnefs of Chrlfi, by the way of a freeglft^
whofe condition is but [nit able acceptance : And
why may not a Parent accept a domtion for
his Child , who hath no will to accept n for
himfelf? Shall he be certainly il ut out unto dam-
nation? Or fhall he have that gift at^foltitelywhkh
is conditional to all others f Or is he not concern-
ed in the donation at all ? 2. And remember that
we have guilt and mifery from our Parents • and
iherefo?-e though life and pardon be by Chrift on-
ly, yet it is congruous chat the raeer condition of
acceptance may be performed by the Parents.
<>. 11, Perhaps fome will lay all the right
of Infants to the pardon of fin,, and falvation,
upon fecret eledion only -, as if all that we
knew of Infants Salvation were that God will fave
fome whom he hath eleAed : but that there is na
Promife of grace and falvation to any particular
Infant in the world , as under any condition or
qualification : And if this be fo, then, i. No In-
fant hath any Right to pardon, grace and falvati-
on , given him by the Covenant of Grace •, No
more than any eled perfon at age hath before
^ith and regeneration ; Eledion gave Tanl ( nor
any wicked man ) no right to pardon or falvati-
on : Elfe eled Pagans and Infidels are juftified ^
if they have;^ ad impunitatem q^ .RegnHmC€e'
lorHm, 2* And if this be fo , we have no afTurance
that God will fave ten or three Infants in all the
world : For he hath not told us whether he hath
eleAed io many. f?. And yet we cannot be fure
but that they may all or almoft all > be faved ,
while the number of the ekft is unrevealed,
4. Nor
4. Nor can we know that any more of the Chil-
dren of the Faithful are faved, than of the Hea-
thens or Infidels •, of thofc that love God and
keep his Commandments, than of thofe that hate
him. 5. And, in a word, we have then nopra-
ffer hope, upon (/ovenant ri^ht, tiiat.God willfave
any one individual Infant in the world : For we
can hope ( in this proper fcnfe ) of nothing but
what we do believe , and we can believe nothing
but what is pro-mtfed or revealed. And fo Pa-
rents muft be thus far hopelcfs.
^.15% God who made man after his Image ,
teacheth him to govern according to thofe prin-
ciples which are his Image : And all the King-
doms in this world take Infants for Infant-mem-
bers ; and the Laws give them Right to Ho-
nours and Inheritances, the pofleflion and ufe
whereof they may have in the time and degrees
that nature doth capacitate them. And can we
then think that God who made a Conditional
Gift of Pardon and Salvation to all the adult
perfons in the world , did wholly leave out In-
fants, and that his Covenant giveth thera no
rights at all •, no not to be members of his vi-
fible Church?
^. 14. It feemeth to me a matter of doubtful
confequence to alTert , that God will fave more
( yea fo great numbers as we will hope are fa-
ved in Infancie ) than ever he promifed to fave,
and gave any antecedent Right to Salvation to ?
I doubt we Ihall open fuch a gap to the hopes of
prefumptuous Heathens and Infidels this way, as
will crofs our common doftrine : If God may
fw
(205;
fave whole Kingdoms and millions of Heathen^
Infants to whom he never gave Right to Salva^
tion by any gift or promife , mcerly becaufe he
eleded ihem • fome will fay , why may he not
do fo alfo by the Parents ; at leaft renewing them
all in tranfnu }
^. 15. If you fay that He giveth themfree-.
ly his fan^ifying grace , and gtvieth them right
to Salvation as fantiified , though he tell w not
vpho are fanclifiedy I anfwer, i. Take heed left
you teach the prefumptuous to fay the fame of
Infidels, Heathens and almoft all , that God may
in the paffages when they are dying fandifie and
fave them all. 2. Still this giveth no pofiiivc
hope of any particulars , nor more to Chriftians
for their Children than they may have of the
Children of Infidels-, nor any promife of the
fphrit and fandification, as Believers have.
5<, 16. I take it therefore for the foundeft Do-
drine that Gods taking the Children of the Faith-
ful into Covenant with him, and becoming their
God and taking th^m for his own , doth figni--
fie no lefs than a ftate of Grace, and pardon
and fight to hf^ eternal •, and that they are in
this ftate upon their Parents Confent and Heart-
devoting them to Cod in Chrifi^ before baptifm,
but baptifm is the folemnizing and invcftiture,
which openly coram Ecclefia delivereth them fof-
feffion of their vifiblc Church-ftate with a fealed
pardon and gift ot life : For it is not another ,
but the fame promife and Covenant which is
made to the faithful and their feed : And all Gods
promifes to the many Generations of them , in
the
(207>
the fecond Commandment and many other Texts,
cannot mean any fuch little blefiings as confift
with a ftate of damnation and the poffeflion of the
Devil. And ail the ancient Churches in bapti-»
zing of Infants were of this mind ( whom I will
not defpife. ) And jihrahams cafe perfwadeth me
that the Children of Natural and Civil Parents
( truly their Owners ) have this right ( before they
are baptized. ) But the former f natural Parents)
have plainer evidence than the later (which is a
darker cafe. ) But as for them that think either
that all Infants are faved, or all baptized Infants
{jure vel injuria) though no Parent or Ovpner
confent or dedicate them ( heartily , or openly )
to Cody or though they are hypocrites and truly
confent not for themielves or theirs , let them
prove it if they can ^ but I muft fay it is pad my
power.
^. 17. I know the grand difficulty is, that then
this Infant-Grace is loft in many that live to ri-
per age. I have faid fo much of this in my Chri-
ftian DireAory that I will refer the confidering
Reader thither, only adding, i , That far greater
abfurdities will follow the contrary opinion , and
the greater are not to be chofen. I am loth
again to name them. 2. That the univerfal Church
( as far as by any notice we can knoyr ) did for
many hundred years grant the conclufion and take
it for no abfordity, but a certain truth •, yea much
more, Auftin and his followers themfelves,
thought more at age were truly juftified and fan-
dified than were elected and did perfeverc : And
fome hold that not all that have the fandifying
fpirit.
(2o8)
fplrif^ but only certain confirmed Chriftians, hare
a certainty to perfevere : And others hold, that
as the (pirit of Chrift is promifed to Believers ,
though men believe not . without the fpirit, fo
that meafure of Grace which caufeth men only
to believe^ as antecedent to that promifed (pint
( of Power y Love and a fonnd mind ) is but fuch
as may be loft, as Adams was •, and that it is the
jpirit following it (as the rooted habit ^ which
cannot be loft : And oihers come yet lower, and
fay that the Grace which giveth /<s2/>^ it /^//can-
not be loft ( becaufe fuch have the promife of the
fpirit ^ ) but yet the grace which only enableth
men to Repent and Believe ( called fujjicient )
may be loft before it produce the Ad : Accord-
ingly fome think of Infant-Grace : The laft fort
think that they have real pardon of original (in
and right to life, and have real Grace •, but being
Infants,, that grace is but fuch as will enable t hem-
to believe if they come to age , and not infaU
libly canfe it , and that this may be loft : And fo
I might run over the opinions of the reft. And
among all thefe the judgement of Davenant ^^
Wardj 8cc, of the lof of an Infant-ftate of Grace y
as by them opened is not fo hard, as I think the
contrary way will infer : And it feems by Art, i.
c. ij, that the Synod of Dort was of their
mind.
0. 1 8. Qnt darknefs about iht future ftateoi
Infants SohIs^ hath occafioncd fome diverfity of
thoughts about their frefent ftate. Indeed they
will neither in Heaven or Hell have any work for
Confcience in the review of any formr diions
good or evil: And it feemeth by NarJatiTLene
before cited ( Orat, 40. ) that fome Antiencs
thought as mod Papifts do , that unbaptizcd In-
fants have neither the joys of Heaven , nor any
punifhraent but the lofs Oi' thefe : But what ftate
then to place them in they know not : To think
that they (hall remain in a meer potentiality of
underftanding, and fhall know no more than they
did here, is to equal therti with bruits, and to en-
courage the Socinrans who fay the like of thefe-
parated fouls of the adult : And if they can allow
underftanding to thofe that dted haftiz^ed^ why
not to the reft? And if they ptnderftand^ they
muft have grief or pleafure : But who can know
more than God revealeth ?
5^. ig. In fum ; i. That God would have Pa-
rents devote their Children to him , and enter
them according to their capacity in his Cavenanc
(as I have elfewhere proved) is a great truth ,
not to be forfaken. 2. And alfo that he accept-
cth into his Covenant all that are faithfully thus
devoted to him, and is peculiarly their God, and
fuch Children are holy. 3. That they are cer-
tainly members according to an Infant capacity of
the vifible Church as they are of all Kingdoms
under Heaven : Thefe are all clear and great
truths. 4. And that there is far more hope of
their falvation than of thofe without. 5. And I
think the Covenant maketh their Salvation cer-
tain if they fo die. 6. And it feemeth tomethac
the inveftiture and folemniz^ation of their Co-
venant with Chrift, fl^.ould be made in Infan-
cie, from d^anh,zS» ip;2o. and the expofiti-
P on
( 2IO)
on of theuniverfal Church. 7. But if any fhould
think with Tertnllian and Naz.ianz,ene that the
tin[ie of invcfttture and folemni^^ation is partly
left to prudence, and may be delayed in cafe of
health , yea or fliould thnik that Infants are not
to be folemnly invefted by baptifm, but only the
adult, fo they confefs hi f ants relation to God^
his Covenant and Church -, I would differ from
fuch naen with love and peace , and mutual tole-
ration and communion.
CHAP/
(211)
CHAP. I.
The Occajion of this Writing*
^. i« A ^ ^ ^'^^ ^y %^^^^ ^"*^ '^"§ imponu-
Jl\. nity unwillingly engaged at firft to
meddle publickly in the ControverTie of Infant
Bipcifm wiih Mr. Tomba , fo I then refolved to
meddle no more with ir, iinlefs I found ti^at ne-
cefiity made it an apparent duty.
0. 2. Accordingly when Mr, Tombes had print-
ed the laft private papers wiiich paft between him
and me, without my confent , I never anfwered
his reply to this day -, not driving to have the laft
word , and fuppofing that the ftudious impartial
Reader, would find no need of a rcjoynder : For"
to me his Reply feemed fo empty and next no-
thingjthat I thought it umiecefTary to fay any nlore,
<$, 3. But it is now grown the cuftom among
Papifts and Sedaries and almod: all the wranglers
that trouble the world, to fcribble fomewhat k\\{t
or nonlenfe againft that truth which they have not
wit, or will, or humilicy enough to learn, and then
fay to thofe that would make them wifer, yoit are
anfwered-^ and itgoeth for a vidory to any foolery,
if they can but fay, fnch a one that hath written
again fl yon is linanfxvcred : As if we dealt on
luch terms with the world in writing, as that he
that fpeaketh laft, (that is, that liveth longeft ^
muft be fuppofed to be in the right. ' Or as if
we knqw not when wc write againft the grofieft
V z here(ig
f2I2 J
herefie or error, that as many words may be
faid or written for it as againft ic 1
5^. 4. And O what pity is it that with the vul-
gar fort of well-meaning people , number goeth
for vret^hr y and he feemech to be in the right
to them, who is nearefi them and hath befl of-
fonnrnty to talk to them a few fmooth deceitful
words for his opinion, and to belie and vilifie
thofe that are againft him I Not but that there
are great fundamental Truths which manifeft them-
selves , which I hope thefe honeft fouls would
not be drawn from by an Angel from Heaven :
But verity no true Charity can be fo blind as to
deny it, ihat in lower controverted points, the
knowledge of the vulgar Religious people is fo
low, that he that is lower than an Angel, or
than a well-ftudied Divine, or thaa. a man of fo-
ber folid reafon, may deceive them ( having firft
been himfclf deceived ) if he can but fpeak niea-
loHJly^ and reproach others imfHciefjtly^ by the fpi-
r\t defer ibed2in^ ex or ci fed \n Jant, i, at large.
<^. 5 . And I crave thy pity , Reader , to my
fclf and fuch as I , that our Tiryie and Employ^
ment is fo much at the wiil and mercy of fuch
a fort of wrlnglin^ men. Thar rf I have it in my
defire to do Gods Church fervice upon fome
greater and more needful fubjed, yet it is in the
power of the Devil to ftir up the corruption of
honeft weli-meaning Chriftians^ to put a neceflity
on me to do fome poor inconfiderable works, and
leave undone the greater and more excellent,
5^. 6. For circumftances may make it a mans
duty to do that as frefently mcejfary^ which with-
m
in a few years will be of no fignification, but die
with the incerefts and quarrels of the age.
5^. 7. It hath pleafed the Lord , who did let
loofe the S^penc upon Adam in Paradifc, to ex-
ercife his ffnurch in almoft all ages with tempta-
tions from two r>rts chat feem much contrary, but
are nearer in difpoficion and principles than they
well underftand themfelves , I mean Church-Ty^
rarjts and Qjurch-Dtviders •, And though I ( and
moft others of my quality ) have fuffered incom-
parably more by the former, yet it is not a little
that I have fuffered by the later : And efpecially
that by their flanderous and clamorous unquiet
importunity, they will not. give me leave to live
by them in peace, nor to ^ on in better work
while I meddle not with them. I could not ob-
tain that leave from y[r, Tombs -^ And now Mr,
I>. hath been pleafed to open the mouths ot
fo many of his partakers againft me , as maketh
wife men tell me that 10 be filent will be to be
fcandaloufly guilty of their fin. And do we live
upon thefe terms, that any Railer can call us off
from our better fervices when ever He and Satan
pleafe?
^. 8. But my purpofe is to meddle with them
but this once : And if after this thefe crying Chil-
dren will bawl and wrangle and foul the houfe,
and think that I am made for no better work than
either to rock the Cradle or to make them clean,
I will let them cry and take their courfe , and
will no more believe that their humours are th^
tnafters of my time.
P 3 <f, 9. By
f 214)
^^ 9. By three or four arguments ( of his ma*
king ) it hath pleafed one Major Dunvsrs a
Souldier to call me to this task. i. By heaping
up a Catalogue of Accufations againft my Do-
drine in my Chriftian Diredory. 2. By re-
proaching me for not anfwering Mr. Tomhcs.
3. By proclaiming me to the world a flanderer
who owe the Anabapiifts fatisfadion, for faying
that many of them were Baptiz^ed nak^ci, 4, By
perverfe citations of my later Writings as if they
had been ferviceable to his caufe, 5. By his in-
jury to poor fouls and the Churches peace , by
his ignorant thougli confident oppolition to the
truth, and writing a Volume of he knoweth not
what.
5J. 10. And to add to my invitation, it is be-
come of late a common faying among the Ana-
baptills, that I am turned to their opinion or ve-
ry near it, but have not humility to retrad my
formeF error, and openly acknowledge what I
hold.
p. II. The occafion of this is, i. Becaufe I
have fo many years forborn to anfwer Mr. Ton.hcs
his lad. 2. Becaufe I feek peace with them, and
fpeak for it upon all occafions, and feek to abate
other mens over-great oppolition to them, 3. Be-
caufe upon all occafions I prefs the confideration
and improvement of our Baptifm , taking it for
the fumm aad Charader of our Chriftianicy, and
the true defcription ol Converfion, and the efTen-
tial mark of Grace, and the qualification of Ca-
tholick Church-mc:mbers, and the bond of all our
ChriHian duty : As if none but Anabaptifts could
think thuo? 5^. 12. When
^, 12. When I firft read Major Denver s BoQk»
I thought fuch a Fardk could not be fo regarded
as to need an Anfwer^ But when his Bookfeller
came to know of me what I had againft it , as
from him ; and when I heard how many thou-
fands of them were Printed , I rather chofe to
imitate him that had coma[fion on a headltfs mid"
tittidey than him that iaia, y? fofidm vult decivi,
devipiatur. And they that will not let me reft ,
mull bear fome of the fruits of ray difquiet*
raent.
P 4 CHAP,
(216)
CHAP. II.
tJ^ore of my Judgement of the Anahaftifls and
their Caitfe^ with a motton to them for peace,
^. I. T Confefs that in my Book againft Mr,
X Tomhes I wrote fcveral pages enigmati-
cally of the otfenfive fcandals of the Anabapiifts :
And they that now read ihem when the cccafion
is forgotten or unknown , will eiiher not under-
ftand them, or think them tco fharp. But in all
military Controverfies, no man is fo meet a Judge
as he that is on the ground.
5f. 2. I am almoft ready to condemn my felf
for that and many other things pail when I forget
the opcafion of them and the ftate that we were
in : But I will not deny that at that time my heart
felt more than I expreft , i. When I heard Ana-
baptiftry obtruded on the religious people , as a
great and needtul part of their integrity : 2. An4
when they that abhorred to hear of old fcandals
were bufily making more and greater ; 3, When
i faw what was done againft the Parliament, by
them that profeiTed to be their fervants, and ihac
the Anabaptifts and their AflTociates were the for-
wardeft in the work : 4. And what was done
againft the King, when they had thruft out the
Farlidment ^ j. And what was done in the wars
againft Scotland-^ 6. And what orders pa#|lqj:fe»
queftring all fuch as my felf that were tiottfeii
their Engagement or Keeping their days ofpifi^i?
■ - ' . ^mg
(217)
trig and thanksgiving in caufes of blood :
7. And when I faw thefe executed on many ex-
cellent men that were Matters of CoUedges in the
Univerfities, and ufeful Minifters in the Country :
8. And when I faw what that called the Little
Parliament was and did, and how it was put to
the Vote whether all the Parifh Minifters of En^
gland (hould be put out at once ? and carried
againft them but by a few .* And that the Ana-
baptifts were of the forwardeft in all this work :
5. And after when I faw how many of them
turned Ranters, and read my felf fome of their
Letters , full of horrid Caches and Blafphemies •
All thefe things made me think that they were not
friends to the Churches welfare, and this was not
the way of holinefs or peace.
^, 3. All this while I defired to have lived by
tliem in peace and quietnefs, but I could not ob-
tain it : Mr. Tomhes thought that I ftood in the
way of his fuccefles, even when I medled not with
them. And therefore I muft be ercher converted
to them or conquered, that the triumph might
promote their ends. And when that quarrel was
over I was glad , and purpofed to meddle with
them no more.
^, 4. One of the greateft things that offended
me, was that ( even in the Fariihes where there
were the ableft faithful laborious Minifters , )
they laboured to gather feparated Churches, up-
on the account of their opinion ^ And when thev
had gathered them, they were militant Churches;
Prcfently that Town was in a \yar • and the meet-
ings employed for the extolling of their opinions,
-^^ ' ~ and
and vilifying the Miniftcrs and Churches that
were againft thenti , and making them odious or
contemptible to their followers : which could not
be the work of God.
^, 5. I dare challenge any man to make it good,
that ever I fought to perfecute any Anabaptifts ,
or ftirred up others to perfecute them for their
judgements : I know not that ever I did any of
them any harm , except by not being of their
minds, or contradicting them.
But though my fufferings by them were no-
thing , ( that honour being affumed by another
party ) yet they have not carried it fo to me :
But have convinced me that were they uppermoft
they would then have had too little tendernefs for
thofe that hindred their fuccefles : Even fome of
Mr. Tombes his flock, my neighbours and familiar
friends, I think, fought my life or ruine when I
meddled not with them. When Sir George Booth
had done what was done in Chejhire, I wrote a
Letter to Major Beak^ at Coventry y and the Mef-
fenger telling them at Bewdley that he had a Let-
ter from me, lome of them made themfelves Soul-
diers, and inarms way-laid the mefTenger, afTauIt-
ed him , and took his Letters , and though they
found not what I fuppofe they expedcd, yet find-
ing in it but a great mans name, who tlien much
ruled publick affairs, they fent it up to the Coun-
cil to him, who fummoned Major Beak^io Lon-
don to anfwer it, who had never fcen it and knew
nothing of it : And though he fo fcaped , I was
loudly threatned ^ but General Mvnkj approach
out of ScfftUnd flayed the execution of their dif-
pleafure.
pleafure. Thus did my familiar Friends unprovo-
ked (hmt of them yet alive J,
^. 6. Indeed my judgement was and is, that
the point of Infant Baptifm hath its confiderable
difficuhies, which may occafion wife and good
men to doubt, or to be mift-ken in ir. And ma-
ny of the Roman party have taken it to be
proveable only by the tradition and judgement
of the Church : And Mr. Tomhes hath pubHckly
intimated as if one of oi]r moft Learned and En-
tire puMick ProfeiTorsof Theologie in one of our
llniverfities , had declared himfelf of the famt
mind, viz^. that it is not to be proved by Scripture,
(Mr. Danijers hath alfomade advantage of this
teftrmony), ( Though of late Scripture certain
-proof \s found (in the new Rubrick of the LiturgieJ
for a great deal more. ) I am not of that mind,
that it is not proveable by Scripture. I think I
have proved it -. but not by evidence fo clear , as
every good man can perceive.
<f. 7. Therefore I never took the point of it to
have fuch weight, as that all ihat differed from me
in it, muft be denied either Loi/f, Liberty or Com-
TKunion : If I know my own heart I do as hearti-
ly love a fober godly man that is againft Infant
baptifm , as I do fuch men that differ from me
in other fuch Controverfies ^ and much better
than one of my own judgement, who hath lefs
piety and fobriery. And I make no doubt but
there are among us very many fuch , even fober
and religious men, as there be among other
parties.
5^. 8. Nor do I think that there is {{) much ma-
lignity
(tio)
Ilgnity in the bare opinion which denieth Infant
Baptifm, as that all the Anabaptifts mifcarriages
fliould arife from the nature of that opinion.
But I am pad doubt that they arife from the dif-
eafed minds of many that hold it. When injudi-
cious perfons lay hold upon an opinion which is
not common , their fingularity kindleth a proud
felfifh zeal , and they take that opinion as more
peculiarly their own, than the common Articles
which all Chriftians hold : And therefore they
grow fond of it, and are pufc up thereby with a
conceit of their extraordinary knowledge : And
then they feem to themfelves more religious than
cuhers, and greater friends to the tru.h : And fo
Frlde and Ignorance engage them in fingnlarity
and fe'paration : And thus they would do, were ic
any other opinion, which they thought as high-
ly of as this : So that i: is not an Anabaptift as
fuch, but the frond Church-divider , or Separa-
tift that I am moil offended ar.
5^. 9. I know that in the Ancient Churches
men were lefc at liberty , both vohen they would
be baptized themfelves, and when their Children
(hould be baptized : And though Infant-baptifm
was without any known original , fmce the Apo-
ftles, yet it was not a forced thing.
5J. 10. And were it in my power it (hould be
fo ftill : I would not deny Chriilian Love , nor
Church'Communionj nor publick encouragements,
to any pious peaceable man for being an Anaba-
ptift : If he would not feparate for ic from the
Churches, if he would live peaceably with nie,
I would live peaceably with him, and fhould be
loth
loth to be behind with him in love and peace,;
^. II. It is not f I fay ) Anabaptiftry,Indepca-
dency, nor any fuch opinion which I impure our
calamities to'diredly : But it is (next to Church
Tyranny^ th^ fykk o( feparatio?j -^ I mean, when-
men cannot fo far differ in judgement from ochers,
but a perverfe zeal for their opinion as fome ex-
cellent truth of God , doth inftigate them to run
away from thofethat are againft it, as if they were
the enemies of the truth and God, and unworthy
of the Communion of fuch as they : which is no-
thing but a conjunction of Pride , Ignorance and
Vncharitablenef ( or JHulice, )
5^. 12. I have told thefe men that when they have
fpoken never fo ilarply againft TerfecntorSy it is ap-
parent that there is much of the fame fpirit in them-
ielves ; One faith, of DifTcnters, Avpay vfiith/nch
unworthy perfons out of the Mtnifiry or out of ihe
Country: and the other hkh^jiway with fuch nnwor-'
thy perfons from yoHrCommnnion: And both contra-
ry to Chrifts fheep-mark which is Love, and both
tend to make their Brethren feem unlovely : And
whom they ferve by this means , whether the
Prince of Love, or the Prince of Malignity, it's
pity but they knew ; or at leaft would confider
of it, inftead of being angry with us when we tell
them of it.
^. 13. I am not therefore half fd zealous to
turn men from the opinion of Anabapciftry , as I
am to perfwade both them and others, that it is
their duty to live together with mutual forbea-
rance, in Love and Church-Communion notwith-
ftanding fuch differertccs ; For which they may
" fee
(222)
fee more reafons given by one that once was of
their mind and way ( Mr. William Allen in his
Retrachation of Separation^ ^
^^ Satan will notcon- ^„^ j^j^ Perfwafive to t;/?.-
lent thac yon fhoiild , . -^l^ i_
ffo^Dcrly read the Book5. 0') ^"an any ot them can
found iy refel , though they
may too eafily rejed: them.
5^. 24. I am perfwaded that the formal Mini-
fters , and people , who make little more ufe of
Baptifm, than to give it to Infants, and to receive
it in Infancy, have been the greateft occafion of
Anabapciftry among us : when the people fee thac
all being Baptized in Infancy , many afterwards
live all their days, and never underhand what Ba-
prifm is, and few evfer folemnly and diftindlly
own and renew that Covenant when they come to
age, (unlefs coming to Church and receiving the
Lords Supper with as little iinderftanding , be a
renewing it , ) this tempteth ferious people that
underftand not the matter well thetftfelves , to
think that Infant-baptifm doth but pollute the
Churches , by letting k\ thofe who know not
what they do, and after prove prophaneor Infi-
dels : And they think that it is the only way to re-«
formation to flay till they are ready to devote
ihemfelves underftandingly to God, But this is
their miftake : For, i. If it were deferred till ripe-
nefs of age, one part would negled it and conti-
nue Infidels ; and another part would da all for-
njally^ as wc fee they do now at the other Sacra-
ment, where the fame Covenant is to berenewed*
2, There is a better remedy,
^, 15. For
^223)
f, 15. For we hold that all tliat are Eapti-
zed in Infancy fhould as underftandingly , anjl as
ferioufly and ( if it may be conveniwtly ) as
folemnly^ own and make that Covenant with God
when they come to age, as if they had never been
baptized ; ( if not more, as being more obliged. )
The reafons of this I have given long ago ac^
large, in a Treatife of Confirmation, written when
we had hope of fetting up this Courfe, under the
name of Confinnation, which fome of us pradL-
fed in our AfTemblies not wiihout fuccefs. To»
be ferioufly devoted to God by our Parents firft,
and to be brought at age as fefioully to devote
our felves to him , as any Anabaptift can do , is
a much liklier way to fill the Church with ferious
Chriftians , than to leave all men without the
fenfe of an early Infant obligation.
^. 16. I am as fully perfwaded that Infants
Church-memberfliip and Baptifm is according to
Gods will, as ever I was, when I was moft en-
gaged in the Conw:overlie : And I am perfwaded
that thcfe Papers of mine to Mr. Towbes^ are fo
unfatisfadorily anfwered as is worfs than no An-
fwer, and fheweth how little is to be faid.
^. 17. Though the Ad of Baptizing be a du-
ty, and fo neceflary n^cfffitate frdcefti^ yet Pro-
teftants hold that it is not fo neceffury nsccffitatc
mediiy but that in fome cafes thofe that are unba-
ptized may be faved : As in cafe the Child 6xt
before it can be done , or in cafe the abfence or
delay of the Baptizer be the caufe .• Ir is true-cen*
feming to his Covenant ( for our felves and thofe
that we have power to confentand acceptit for)
which
C 224;
which Chrlft hath made necejfary to fahation^
and if hcftould A^mn TLtrueConfenter^ he fhould
damn one that hath the Love of God , and one
to whom he promifeth falvation, John 1^16^ 18.
^, 18. It is utterly incongruous to the reft of
the Law of Grace , which is fpiritual , and to
Chrifts alterations, who took down the Law of
burdenfom Ceremonies ., to think that he (hould
lay fo great a ftrefs upon the very outward wafh-
ing , as that he would damn trj : Believers that
Love God, for want of it: when he hath done
fo much to convince the world, that God feeketh
fuch to worfhip him as will do it in fpirit and
truth, and that Circumcifion or Uncircumcifion
is . nothing, but t aich that worketh by Love : And
if Penitent Loving Believers fhall not be faved,"
Gods promifes give us no affurance or feeurity* \ v
5^ . 1 9. When the Apoftle, E^hef, 4. 4, 5. putteth >
[^ one Baptifm 2 among the neceflaries of Church-
Concord y by Baptifm is meant , our folemn de»
voting our felves ( and ours under that truft ) to
Chrijir in. the Bi^ftifmal Covenant ^ which can
mean no more but that as there are three things
f on our part) in Bapafm, i. Heart-confent ^
2. Profeffion of that confent ^ 3. The Reception
of waHiingas the profelling fymbol: So, i.The
heart'Confent is necefTary to our membership of
the Church as invifible, that is, to our union with
Chrift and our falvation •, 2. The Profeffion of
Corjfent as there is opponunity is necefTary, both
to prove the fincerity of <5!onfent it felf , and to
other mens notice of it, and fo to our member-
fhip of the Church as vi(;ble ; 3. And our Pro^
f effing
fefftng it by being Baptiz^ed is neceilary to the
regular and orderly manner of our Profeffton :
And fo far to our concord.
5^. 20. And he that kno\^^eth Baptifm to be
hie et nunc his duty and yet will not receive
it , (he wet h his unfoundnefs by his difobedi-
encc.
5$. 21. As l^aptifm is made our gi-eat duty
Under that name , fo Profe]Ji&n or Confejjion of
Chrift, as fuch , is ofc ihcntioned as neceflary,
even to falvation, Rom, 16.9,10. 1 7^^.4.2.3;
15, Afar* 10. 32. Phil, 2. II 2 John J.
And Bapttfm being our Open confefftng and
Owning Chrift by a foleran Vow and Covenant,
k is principally a^ fuch that it is necelTary tofal-
vation , yea and to a perfed aaettiberfhip^of the
vilible Church.
c. 22. Therefore if any man that in a defart
or dry ' Countrey could hc-'ve no water , or
that Uvcd where there is no Minifter , fhould
openly before all. the people devote himfelf to
God the Father, Son and Holy Ghofl, according
to the Baptifmal Covenant, and folemnly pro-
fefs himfelf a Chriftian, that man were a true
member of the vifiblc Church, though defedive
as to the mode of entrance , and were to be num-
bered with Chriftians : And Ccnftantine and
many another were called Chriftians long before
they were baptized. And it were injurious to
the Rationality and fpiricuality of Chrifts Cove-
nant , to feign him to be fo ceremonious, as to
r^jed a found profefling believer for want of
water.
(226)
^. 23» Though jiagnfiine be called dnrui fa*
ter Infantum^ and be i^uppofed for fome pafTa-
ges by many Papifts and others to damn allun-
baptized perfons fave Martyrs, yec thefc follow-
ing words among others , in his later times in
his deliberate difputes againft the Donatifts, ful-
ly fhew his contrary judgement C which yet I
believe the Intereft of his caufe againft the Do-
natifts was a help to in this point) And remem-
ber that be confirmeth it in his Recradations, by
retracing only the inftance of the thief on the
crofs 5 as uncertain whether he was baptized or
nor,
<^. 24. Aug de baptif, conr. Donat. li. 4. c.
29. [^ Qjdod etitun atqus etiam confiderans in-
venio , nan tantum Pajftojjem fro nomine Chri-
fti J id qitod ex Baft if mo deer at fojfe fufflere-^
fed ttiam Fidem convcrfionen^.que Cardiff fi for^
te ad celebrandum myfiermm baptifmi in an-
giifliis temfomm fncctirri nan fotefi- — : Ef
Cap, 24. Cnm Aftnifterinm baptifmi non con^
temptui religionis fed articulm necejfitatis exckt'-
dit : c^ baptifmpis [quidem pot eft ineffs ubi con-
verfo cordis defucrit : Converpo aittem cordis
fotefl qnidera inejfe non fercefto baptifmo 5 fed
contempto non fotefimequeenimnllo jpodo dicen^
da eft converfio cordis ad Deum^ cnm Deifycra"
inentHm contemnithr, Coaverfion then will fay ^,
without baptilm ,. wheri baptitu is nor contemn,^
ed : It is the contempt that dcftroyeib , ^^d
that as it provcth men unconverted. And \k(\^
he profefTerh to be his judgement after long and,
great confi deration,
<c. 25.'
^. 2$. Baptifr» is to Qoriflianity much like
what Ordination is to ihc ficred Mimftryy and
what folemn Matrimony is to Marriage, It
is necefTary as a Duty^ and as a CMeam to cur
vrdinary and regular admittance to the Coni-
munion of the Church. But as in caie there were
no Ordainer to be had, in a rar Countrey in
ftyimertcay no doubt but a quahfied perfon might
become a t aftoi* , rather than God ihould have
no Church, nor be lokmnly woriliipped ^ And
as in cafe there could be no regular joiemmz^ati-
on of Marri ige ( as in fuch a vvildernefs ) a
fiiblijhed corifettt may tie the knot j fo in cafe
there could be no B^iptiz^ing^ a foicnm Frofeffion
and Covenanting would ferve to Gods acceptance,
and to a right to the Chriftian name,
^, 26. I only leave it to Chriftian Charity
and wifdom to confider how far fome mens Edu-
cation^ natHral weaknefs of judgement, and other
impediments of information , may make their
error againfi: Infant Baf tifm , to participate of
fuch a Neceffity : The cafe hath its difficulties :
Papifts and Proteftants confefsi it , as to vScri-
pture evidence : Weak men cannot know all things ;
And even confiderable heads, that have heard
and thought of much againft it, which they can-
not anfwer, may grow very confidep.t that they
are in the right, and after by that prejudice may
become uncapable of what ffiould fatisfie them ;
Abundance of the fons of the Church that talk
flioft againft them , give fuch weak reafons for
Infant Baptifm, and are fo unable to confute
an Jlnahftifii as fheweth, that it k nor Mor^
(258)
knorvkd^e , but fomcwiiat elfe more incfi-
ning' them to the truth therein, that keepeih
them right.
5^. 27. If the cafe were , whether the Lords
Supper might be Adminiftred with Beer , or
Milk, where there is no Wine } Or whether Ba-
prifm might be Adminiftred by Mflk or Wine,
where there is no water ? fuppofe the affirming
party were certainly in the right • yet if the con-
trary minded ''ould fay, I own Chrifls Sacra-
ment , and folemnly profefs my confem to his
Covenant ^ and I would participate as you do ,
but that I take it to be a fin , and with aH the
means that I can ufe , in conference, reading,
meditation , prayer, my judgement is not chan-
ged ,J I fhould not break fuch communion with-
(uch a man , as he were capable and willing to
hold with the Church. And how near fome A-
nahapifis cafe is to this, I leave to conlidera-
lion,
<^. 28. But m.aking no queftion but many of
them are far better men than I, and knowing
my felf lyable to* error, and knowing how much
ChriR: in his promifes layeih upon fwcerity of
Fairh and Love more than upon ceremony • and
having endeavoured to learn what this meaneth,
/ vsfill have mercy and'/wt facrifice -^ As I am
far more offended at their Schifm ^ ox fe far at ion
from Communion wich our Churches, than at
their opinion , fo I will here lay down thofe
terms on which I am per fwaded. good andfo-
ber men will be willing on both fides to agree
and hold communion : Or on which I am furs
I
(129)
1 would gladly live in brotherly love and com-
munion with them my felf.
5^. 29. Let the Anabaftifis confent to and
profefs as foUoweih or to this fenfe.
^* [^ Though we judge Infant Baptifm diiTo-
" nant from Chrifts inrtituted order , yet find-
^' ing .that God hath made many promifes to the
^' feed of the faithful above others, and that Chrift
" exprefTed his readinefs to receive little children
*' when they were brought to him for his blef-
'' ling, and knowing that all Chriftian Parents
"fhould earneftly defire that their children may
*^ be the children of God through Chrifl: , and
'* fhould devote them to him, as far as is in their
" power , and knowing that there are difficul-
"ties about the extent of this power , and
** Chrifls promifes ^ we do here folemnly pro-
*'fefs, that we thankfully defire all ihofe mer-
*' cies for this child v;hich God hath proraifed
*' to fuch in his word ^ and that we heartily
" offer, devote and dedicate this child to God the
*' Father, Son and Holy Ghofl , as far as he
" hath given us power to do it, befeeching him ac-
" cordingly to accept him: And we promife faiihful-
*Myto endeavour to educate him in the nurture
*' and admonition of the Lord , and as we are
*' able to perfwade him when he is capable, to
*' believe in Chrift, and folemnly devoie himfelf
''to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghofl in
'' Baptifm. 1
Let this much be done in the Church or fo
openly as may fatisfie the Church, thiit thev arc
not defpifers of God: mercies, nor their cliildrea?
fouls. ' 0^3 Muc.:
(230)
Much more would it tend to our quietnefs an4
£:oncord , if thofe that profefs that they cannot
^atisiie their confciences in their Infant Baptifm,
Would but do as the Lirurgie doth by thofe
wbofc Bapcifm is uncertain , [ If than be not
Bapttz,ed, I B>iptz.c thee~\i.x\(ii fo would fay, [^J?^-
ing uncertmn v^hether my Infant Baptifm be va-
lid , If it be net I novo receive that which is ]
And when they have fatisfied their confciences^
woiild live quietly in the Love and confimuni-
on of the Church / Who would n6c receive
th^m, though we approve noc of their way ?
i, 30. And were it in ray power as a Paftor
of the Church , I would give fatisfadtion by
fuch an anfwerable prcfeflion as this.
*^ [ Though it be our judgement that Infant^
''have ever been members of Gods vifible Church,'
^' fince he had a Church and there were Infants
*Mn the world, and do believe ihat Chrift: hath
'Signified in the Gofpcl that it is his gracious
*'will that they fliould flill be fo • And that
''he that commanded. Mat, 28. 19. \^Go ye and
^' Difciple all Nations 'Baftiz.ing 'them ~] would
'' have his MiniRers endeavour accordingly . to
*^Mo ir, and barh hereby made Baptifm the re-
*'gular orderly way of folemn entrance into a
'' vifible Church ftate •, and therefore we devote
^^ this child to God in the Baptifmal Covenant :
'' Yet vve do alfo hold, that when he cometh
^' to age , it will be his duty as ferioufly and
^'devoutly to make this Covenant with God
*' underflandingly himfelf , and to dedicae him-
^'felf to God the Father, Son and HolyGhod,
r230
^'as thofe rauft do that never were Baptized in
^' Infancie : And we promife to endeavour faith-
*' fully as we have opportunity, to inftrud and
*' periwade him fo to do , hoping that this
*' his early Baptifmal dedication , and obligati-
*'on to God, will rather much prepare him for
*'it, than hinder it.
<5. 31. Me thinks thefe Profeflions ihould put
olT the chief matter of offence and exception againfl
each other , .as to the ill confequents of our opi-
nions ? And if fober good men would by fucha
mutual approach, be the more difpofed to live to-
gether in love and holy peace, how eafily (hould
1 bear the fcorns of thofe Formalins that will
reproich me for fo much as motioning [ a. Teace
with the Anabaftifts , even in the fame Commu-
nion ! 1 Who by making it a reproach will but
perfwade me, that fuch as they are lefs wor-
thy of Chriftian Communion than fober, pious,
and peaceable Anahnftifts.
f, 3Z. And if with the partial fort of them-
felves fuch motions of Peace be turned into mat-
ter of contempt , and they proceed in their
clamours and reviling of me, as an enemy of
the truth, for being againll their way, I fhall
account it no wonder nor matter of much provo-
cation, finding in all Sed:s as well as theirs, that
the injudicious fort are apt to be abufively cen-
forious , and the more mens Pride^ Ignorance
and uncharitahlenefs remain, the more they will
fwelj into felf-conceit , and trouble the Church
with a miftaking wrangling buitful fort of
Zca!.
a.^ ^ 35.
^i 33. Afld as I itouft needs believe as ill cf
(ome fort of Zeal as St. fames hath fpoken 6^'
it. Jam. 3. and experience hath too long told
the world of it ; yet 1 take it for truly amiable
in men , that they have a love and Zeal for
Truth in general, and a hatred to that which
they think to be againfl it •, and that their bit-
ternefs againfl: the truth and me , is upon a fup-
pofition that both are againfl: the truth and God ;
for this beareth them witnefs that they have a
zeal of God, though it be not according to Know-
ledge ; and if they knew truth indeed, ttiey would
be zealous for it.
5^. 34. I conclude with this notice to thccon-
tr?ry minded,that the evidence for Infants Church-
meraberfliip fecmeth to me fq dear , both in na-
ture and in Scriprure , that 1 bid them de-
fpair of ever perfwading me againfl it : But
if they will have any hope of changing my judge-
ment, it muft be by confe[jingi\{tvtfible Church-
membership of Infants , and proving that
ytt they are not to bebaftiz^ed^zxi^ that Baptifm
was appointed for initiating none but adiik con-
*VErts y and not to be the common eTitrance into
the (hurch : which yet I think they can never do,
while the plain Law of Chrift Mat.ig, 19. and
the expofition of the univerfal Church, doth ftand
on record to confute (uch an opinion / But here
they have more room for adifpute.
5f. 35. But ("though I exped to be cenfgred
for it J I will fay once ( becaufe truth is truth J
(hat tboiigh Rebaptiz^ing and Reor^aining are
juftly both condemned by the ancient Chur(;hes ,
and
and pronounctd altk^ ridiculoHs by Gregory Mtig^
Lib, 2. £/>. Indi^. 1 1. x,$(6^ and many others • yet
were men Rehaftiz^ed but for Certainty to them^
fclves or to the Church, and to quiet their con-
fcicnces , and on fuch terms as in my Chrifltan
DireAory I have (hewed that a feeming Reor-
dination might in fome cafes be tolerated, and
would not r^rong Infants , nor make it an occafi-
on of divifion or alienation ; I know not by any
Scripture or reafon that fuch Rcbaptizing is fo
heinous a fin , as fhould warrant us to contemn our
brethren : No though it were as faulty as the
oft commemorative baptizing ufed by the tAbaj-
fines.
-M1>Vf
CHAP.
(^34)
CHAP* III.
0/^ General V^iewofVit. Danvers book*
f* lu A /T^* Danvers book is entitled a Trea^
jLVI tife of Bapifm, in which he giveth
us the Hiftory of Infant and Adult Bapcifm out
of Antiquity , as making it appear that Infant
Baptifm was not pradifed for 300 years (in his
fecond edit, it is [^ near 500. ) And in his j^p-.
fend. ed. 2,\_ I cannot find that it was praUi*
fed upon any till the fourth Century .'3 And he
giveth us a Catalogue of witnefifes againft it.
By which thofe that hold their Religion on the
belief of fuch mens words , will conclude that all
this is tme^ and that Infant Baptifm is z Novel-
ty , and thofe that are againft it do go the old
andCatholick^way,
f. z. Having pernfed his teftimonies on both
fides 5 I am humbled and afhamed for the dul-
nefs of my heart, that doth not with floods of
compaflionate tears lament the pittiful condition
of the feduced , that muft be thus deceived in
the dark ^ and of the Churches of Chrift that
muft be thus aflaulted , and ihaken, and diftra-
ded , by fuch inhumane horrid means : The
book being compofed , in that part of hiftory
which the ftrefs of the caufe lyeth on , of fuch
UNTRUTHS \nfaih and hiftory, as I pro-
fefs it one of my greateft difficulties to know
how to call them. Should I fay , th^c they are
' fo
(235)
fo notoriotK and fhamelcfs , as that ( I fay lo^
only a Papift, ) but any fober Turk or PagaTi
fhould blufh to have been guilty but of fome
page or lines of them , and much more a man
of any tcndernefs of confcience , the Readers
would think that the language were harfli, were
k never fo true , and fome would fay , Let us
have [oft words and hard arguments ]. And
fhould I not tell the Reader the truth of the
cafe, I might help to betray him into too much
fearlefnefs of his bait and fnare, and I doubt I
may be guilty of untruth by concealing the /^tia-
lity of his untruths : And it is not matter of
Argument^ but /^^ that lam fpeakingof.
<• 3. But it pleafeth that God whofc coun.
f*^ls are unfearchable , as to permit five parts
of the Earth to remain yet Grangers unto Chriil,
fo to permit his Church to be fo tryed and di-
ftrad:ed between Church Tyranny^ and dividing
feffirations , SeBs and parties^ as that in many
ages it hath not been eafie to know which of thera
was the more pernicious.
^. 4. And it muft grieve every confcionablc
and difcerning lover of Truth and Peace, toob-
ferve how thefe two Church-difturbing parties,
do by their extremities cf oppofition, increafc
as well as exafperate each other : As th^ Ithaci-
r:« Prelates did by the Tnfcillianjfts ^ and the
Prrfiilliamfls by them. The Pride , covetouC-
nefs, dead formality, and cruel violence ofCler-
gie Tyrants maketh the poor 5cdari«s think that
they muft go fo far from them , till they have
loft themfelves and know not where they are^
an4
and as Mr. Danvers muftcrs up a catalogue
of my fayings in his mode and drefs , which
feera ugly to the poor man that thinks he feeih
Antichnftianity mfnch Gofpel znd natural truths
which he underftandeth not , ( Like that melan-
choly perfon, who thinks fhe feeth Spiders upon
every one that comes near her , and they muft
brufh them off before (he can converfe with
them , though fhe be cetera fana ) •, (o thofe
on the other extream think them fo fanatick,
and almofl mad , that they are apt to fufped eve-
ry word alraoft that they fay, of madnefs, and
fometimes thereby injure the truths of the Gof-
pel, and foberer people, that partake not of their
guilt , and fo fay of fuch as agree with them
but in aliqHo tertioy They are all alike.
p. 5. This was the main caufe which made
St Martin feparate from his neighbour Bifhops,
and deny communion with them to the death :
Becaufe their perfecution ohhs Prifciliianifishdid
fo animated the loofer fort againft ftrid Reli-
gious people , that they had brought men un-
der the fufpicion of Prifcillianifm^ , if they did
but faft^and pray, and read and talk of the Scripture.
It*s eafie to fee of late who they are that have
done the like.
^. 6. When this fort of men fee the weaknefs
of the Sedaries , and the bold-faced fallhood
which fuch as y[.T.I>anvers obtrude on the world,
and hear them furioufly revile what they under-
hand not,it maketh them think that they are fitter
for Bedlam than for humane focietie : And their
confciences Juftiijc them for all the cruelties that
'they
they ufe againft citlier them , or more innocent
perfons, whom in their ignorance and uncharita-
blenefs they number with them.
i. 7. And on the like account when they read
and hear their erroneous Dodrines, and hear
their incongruous words in prayer , they think'
they can never be too ftrift in fhackling them and
all others in prefcribed forms : And nothing.
Guieteth their Confciences in all this fo much, a$
the undeniable errors , and follies and mifcarria-
ges of thofe that thus provoke them.
^, 8. But in this the Church in AngHfiines days
did not think that way the wifeft cure : when he
faith [^ Afferat^ m fieri fokt^ aUqnam free em in
qua loqiiatur contra reguUm fidet ( mtilti qtiiffg
irrHHnt in freces non folnm ah impritis laqnaci'^
httiy fed ettam ab h^reticis comfofitasy Q^ fer ig-
tiorantitz fim^licitatem non eas valentes difcerne^
rcj muntur tisy arbitrante5 quod bona fint:) Nee
tamen quod in eis ferverfum efi cvacuat ilU que
ibi reUa funt • fed ab eis fotipps evacnatur ]
Aug. de bapr. cont. Donat. f as I remember about
lib. 5. c. II,) O truly charitable and peaceable
Dodrine ! And he that will feparate from other
for every difference ( or real error ) in DoArinc
or Prayers, fhall have enow to feparate from
him,
^. 9, I know nothing that fo much multiplicth
Sedaries as the notorious mifcarriages of Church-
Tyrants that oppofe them ; And T know no-
thing^ next carnal intereft it felf, that fo much
, multiplicth and confirmerh Papiils and Church-
Tyranrs , as the madnefi of the SeAaries : The
wildencfs.
(238)
wildenefs, but efpccialJy the diverficy of thejif
opinions, hath done naore to increafe the number
of Papifts among us than any thing that ever the
Papifts themfelves could otherwife fay for theif
caufe : For people fee fo many giddy with turn-
ing round, and fee fo many Seds among us , that
they are confounded, and know not which to N
of i but they rnuft lay hold of fomewhat that is
more ftable, or be wheel-fick.
^. 10. O what a confirmation is it to a Papift*
to find fuch a one as Mr. Danvers calling Gods
Truths and Ordinances Antichriftian 1 Yea , our
very Baptifmal Covenant and dedication to Chrift
is Antichriftian, and the chief Fathers and Mar-
tyrs of the Church are Antichriftian / ( no won-
der if I be fo. ) And I doubt almoft all the Church
of Chrift for 900 years, at leaft in this mans recko-
ning. And what will the Papifts defire more ?
With what fcorn will they deride fach men >
Wq he to him by whom offence comet h. The chief
Quakers are charged by Mr. FaUo and others
( even fome of their own name J of denying the
perfonand office of Chrift hinafelf: It is worth
^he enquiring whether they rejed him not as An-
tichrift, and call not Chrjftignity by the name of
Amiehrif^ianity ? .
CHAP.
(^39)
C H A P. I V.
Of Mr. Danvers'i kis Witnejfes agawfi Infant^
JBaptifm.
^' I. "T XT'Hen he hath told you, that Inhi^
W ''fmailfearch f fhamefully fmall)
■ ^ he cannot find there is any authentick teftimony
'' that it was pradifed on any till the fourth Cen-
^' tury •, he in the next words faith that it is grant-
^^ cd th?it Tertulhan fpake againft it in ty^fricay
"which is clear evidence that fonie had been
" fpeaking for it in that corner of the world : ]
This is no contradidtion with him : And did they
only Jpeak^for it and not pratitfezt <* Speak once
like a man : And was not that till the fgttrth
CentHry f
^. 2. His Catalogue containeth three Columns :
The firft of the Baptifm of the Adult : And what
Chriftian ever denied this ? And what meaneththe
man in labouring to prove it ? The fecond is of
the Inflituting and averting of Infant-Baptifm ;
of which more anon. The third is of his Witnefles
againft Infant-Baptifm. And the firft of thcfe
mentioned in the Catalogue is TertnlUan in the
third Century. By which he feemeth to confefs
that till the third Century he hath no witnefs
againft it. But I have laid fo much elfewherc
and others more, to prove, i. That Tertnlii^
ans words prove that Infant-Baptifm de faBo
was then in ufc j 2. That he only telleth his opi-
nion
hlon of the point of convenience , but conclud^th
riot againft Infant-Baptifm as unlawful ; 3. That
it is moft probable he fpcaketh of the Infants of
Heathens ; 4. That he fpeaketh from that flriB
y?-^^/</^n>^ which ihade him plead alfo for th^
^JHontanifls Fanatictfnt^ and againft fecond mar-
riages^ and for his inordinate faftings^ &c. as a
man differing from the Ghuirches and numbered
with the Hereticks ( though I think him a learn-
ed Godly man. ) And I refer it to the Readers
judgement whether in my book of Infaht-Baptifm
I have not proved by many other words in Ter-
tullian that he was not againft all Intant-Baptifm,
but for it among Chriftians.
$^.3. His next and great Witnefs is the 1)<?»^-;
tifis together* This is fomething, were it true :
but it is futh a kind of falfhood as t muft not
name in its due epithets, left you think me over-
iharp.
*' ^. 4. His words are [] Bonatns a learned man
*^ in Africa taught that they fliould baptize no
-*^ Children but only th^t believed and defired
«itO
jinfxv* Utterly falfe : And how doth he prove
it ? By Sebafi, Frank* whom I will not fearch to
fee whether he fay fo or rot. Reader, if the
qiieftion be, what was done, faid or held by thou-
fands of ncien twelve hundred years ago, and the
Writings of them and their Adverfaries were ex-
tant, and the Hiftories written of them in that
and the next Ages, would you have a man pafsby
all proof from thefe, and tell you what a fellov/
of his own opinion faith eleven hundred years af-
ter ?
ter ? He brings us with great oftentation the Diach
:A/jabaptifis Martyrologie and fuch like Hiilort^'
of a t'ew years old , oi" fellows that knew Httlc
more than as he doth, what their Party or Com-
panions told thetti, or what they ignorantly ga-
thered from fuch Books as are yet to be feen by
us as well as by them.If Ifhould difpute what ^^/n^/^-
ftin-e held , would Mr. D, fetch his proofs trom
the writings of J^wtf/iV^/Vor, or George Fox^ or
Ifaac Penningto}?^ yea or Mr. Tomhes to prove his
aflertions, while ^agujfi;ics works are at hand to
be fe-n ?
" <5, 5. So next he faith [that the followers of
" Dmarm were all one wiih the Anabaptifts^ de-
"nying Baprifm to Children, admitting the Be-
*Mievers only thereto wh,p defired the fame J
And he citeth one called Twiski
jififw* Utterly falfe 5 They held no fuch thing.
<J. 6. His next proof is indeed from an unquc-
ilionable witnefs ^ he faith '' \_ AHguftines third
" and fourth Books againft the Donacifts 6iO de-
*' monftratc that they denied Infaiu-Bapiifm,
^^ wherein he managcth the argument for Infant-
*'Baptifm againft them, with great zeal, enfor-
" cing it by feveral arguments, but efpecially frrm
*^ Apcflolica! Tradition , and curfing with great*
*' bitternefs thf.y that fhould not embrace it.
i. 7. Anfxv* Mr. Bagjhaxv is now quite over-
done in the quality of untruths : Reader., either
this man had feen and read the Books of Au-^
ghfiine mentioned by him , or he had not. If
not , doth he ufe Gods Church and the
fouls of poor ignorant people with any. tender-
R neU
hefs of Confclence, fobriety or humanity , to
talk at this rate of Books, that he never faw or
read, which are fo common among us to be
feen ? If he underftand not Latine , how unfit is
he to give us the Hiftory of thefe antiquities ?
And how audacious to talk thus of what he know-
eth not ? If he underftand ir, what cruelty is it
to the Church to venture on fuch untruths to
fave him the labour of opening and reading the
books he talketh of? But if he have read them^ then
I can fcarce march him again among all the falfifiers
that I know in the world •, 1 dare not be fo uncha-
iritable to him as to think that ever he read them.
^. 8. The Books are feven that Aiiguftine
wrore of Baptifm againft the Donatifts : And in
them all I cannot find onefyllable of intimation
. that ever the Donatifts denied Infant- Baptifm, buc
enough to the contrary that they did not : Nor
do the third and fourth books mentioned by him
meddle with it any more than the reft : There is
not in the it^tn books nor in all the reft oi Ah^
flins books againft the Donatifts, one word that I
can find , of any fnch controverfie with them at
all ; And for a man to fay that in two books he
thanageth the argitTnents for Infant ^Bafttfrn
againft them with great z^eal^ dec, when there is
not one word that luppofeth them to deny it , blufh
Reader in compailion for fuch a man.
^. 9. Re.;der, the Donatifts were a great par-
, ty of men in Africa : They were Prelatical and
for Ceremonies as the other Churches were :
They differed from the reft on the account of the
'ferfond faccejfiQn of their Biiliops^ In a
time
( 24 j ;
time of perfection they faid ( truly or faKiy was
a great controverfic J that one ofilieBifhops de-
livered up the Church-books to ihc PerfccuLors ^
to be burnt, rather than die himfelf, when they
demanded them ^ And that the Catholick Bifhops
received fuccedlvely their ordination from that
fnan , and called them Tradttores •, whereas the
Bifhop that all their Bijlwfs had fucceflively beea
ordained by, was one that had refufed to deliver
tip the Church-books ; And confcquently he was
the right Bifhop, and they that had their fuccef-
fion from him were true Bifhops and Churches ,
and aU the reft were no true Bidiops or Churches ^
and therefore that all their Baptifm and Sacra-
ments were nullities , and their Communion un-
lawful, and that all people were bound m Confci-
ence as ever they would be faved to feparate from
the reft f called Cathohcks J and to cometothemi
and to be rebaptized. So that their Schifm was
much like the Papifts, who confine the Church to
their party, and condemn all others, fave that the
Papifts (ordinarily) rebapiize not (though they
fay fome Monks have done it, r.selfewhere I have
cited.) The Donatifts were Efifcof^l cerewoniom
Separattfisy that did it on the account of a purer
Epifcopal fiiccefjion^ Till their days the holy Do-
Aors of the Church had almoft aU been againft
drawing the fword againft Hereticks, even yyugu-
fiin himfelf. But the grearnef-i of their party
and the proud conceit of their greater Ztal and
ftridnefs than the Catholicks had, made them (o
furious that the Catholick Paftors could not live
■ quietly by them, Infomuch that fome of tbent
R 2, v;oun^ed
Wounded the Minifters in the ftrects, and fome o£
them made a lak fliarp water and fpouted into
Minifters eyes as they paft the ftreet, to put out
their eyes ; till many fuch infolencics provoked
Angufibi to change his judgement of toleration,
( and efpecially the multitudes feduced by them, )
and the Bifhops to crave the Emperors aid : The
Emperor made Edids for mulds and baniflimenc
to thofe that perfevered : This ( being a new way )
fo exafperared the Donatifls, that in very paflion
many of tbem ( yea Bifhops ) murdered themfelves
to bring odium on the Catholicks , to make the
people bfclicve that the cruelty of the Catholicks
compelled them to it : And this was the ftate of
thefe two parties •, but not a word of difference
about hifant-Bapcifm between ihera th^t ever I
read in either parr.
p. 10. The Controverfie between Anfli?! and
them he thus flateth ; Lib. i. c. i, z. Si haheri
forps potej}^ ctiam dari cur non foteft f Bafttfrh
received out of' the Catholic\ or true Church
arKong Schifwatickj is trite haptifm : and there-
fore baptifm given without by Schifmatickj is tnic
baptifn7, '
" Impie faccre qui rchaftiz,are conantur orbps
^^ unit atemy c^ nos rcBc facere qui Dei Sacra^
^^ menta imprcbare ^ r:ec in.ipfo fchifmate aude'
'' mp*j : They do impioufly that endeavor to re-*
^' ba^ti ze all the united Chrifiian world , and we
^* do i^ghily who dare not deny Gods Sacraments,
"no not in a'Schifi-n. J Tor Jitgufiin peaceably |
be!d th; Donatifls haptifm to be true and z'alid
though irregular and unlawfully given and taken,
but
but the Donatifls held all the Cathohcks Mini-
ftry andbaptifm null.
^.11. Therefore he thus fummeth up their dif-
ferences, cap. "i,. Duo fnnt qua, dicimm , GT* ^S^
in Catholics Ba^ttfmum^ Ct- ilUc tantuji retie ac^
dpi : Item alia duo dicimns , ejfe apttd Donatio
flas baptifmitm -^ non aatem re^e accipi : Hurum
fententiarum tres nojlrdi tantum fn^^t^ ivaam vcro
Htrique dtcimr.s.'2 That is, ^'fTwo things wc
''fay, that there is Baptifm in the Catholick
'^ Church, and that there only it is rightly rccei-
*^ ved : Alfo two things more we fay, that there
*' is Baptifm with the Donatifts ^ but that with
^' thetn it is not rightly received.: of ihefe fen-
^'tences, three are only ours, and one is cora-
" mon to us both : 3 ^i^fim held it a lin , ro
be baptized among Schifmaticks, (tojoynwith
their Sed ) but not a nullity.
5^. 12. Hereupon he addreflethhimfelfto evince
the finfuinefs of their Schifm and unchriflianing
all the Churches : And indeed he feems to think
that thoDgh Baptifm w^ among them^ yet hardly
SulvAtion: And his argument (though I think we
muft abate for mens paffions and te^i'.pt.itiotjs) i^ ,
worth the Separatifls confideraiion : that baptifm
that dcftroyeth ( remitteth he calls it ) not fn , is
?7vt fiving: that which is withortt h-ve renittcth
not fm : But Schifmdtlcl\i ^ fauh he, have. pot
love: For, Nnlli Schif/iata facer crit fi frd-
tcrnoodio ?70?i excdicoj-e-rnnr : Annon cf: i?i Sthif-
77i^.te odium fraternum^ Q^is hoc dixerit i Cum.
C-r origo dr pertinacia Schifni^tis nidit ft alia
nif odi^^m fr*itcrnmr.'\ That is , '* A"^<?r7^ ^i-ould
( H^ )
f ^ make fchifms if they were not blinded by the
* ' hatred of their brethren : Is there not the ha*
^^ tred of brethren in Schifm ? What man will fay
^^ fo ? Whenas both the Rife and the Pertinacie
^' of Schifm is no other than the hatred of bre-
thren, 3 But blind zeal will not let men know
their own hatred , when yet they defame their
brethren as no brethren^ and endeavour to have
all others thi^k^ them fo bad as not to be commn^
nicated with, and feparate from them on that ac-
counr.
^.13. The main (ubjed of all the reft of thefe
,feven Books of A^ifiin is to anfwer the Donatifts
claim of Cyprian and his Carthage Council as on
their fide: and to anfwer all the layings of himi
and the feverat Bifhops of that Council. The
plain truth is this : In the firft age the Churches
were fo fober and charitable as not to account
every erring brother and party Hereticks, but
fuch as fubverted the EffentiJs of PkdigionrAntl
feme of thefe corrupted the very form of Baptiim :
The baptifm of thefe the Church took for null,
and baptized fuch as they pretended to have ba-
*ptized. Cyprian and the other (African Bifhops
knowing this, and being much troubled with he-
retical Churches about them , ftretchcd this too
far and rcbaptized them that fuch Hereiicks bapti-
zed as did not change the form of Ba^iifm ,
but incorporated men into their corrupt focieties :
The ponatifl:s took advantage by this example
and all the Reafons of the Council, to go fo much
further as to take the CathoUckj for Heretick^s
cr nnUwfHl Churches ^ and rshaptiz.e thofe that
they
CH7)
they baptized : j4ttfiin anfvvereih all the Councils
reafons , but praifeth Cyprian as a holy Martyr,
and no Heretick though miftaken.
5^. 14. And it is nor enough for me to fay that
all thele Books of Aufl^n have not a word of what
he fpeaketh, as controverting Infant -B apt tfm with
the Donatifisj but moreover, he bringeth the Do-
natifls agreement with the Catholicks in the point
of Infant-Baptifm , as a meditim in his arguing
againft them, Lib.^.c, 23. fhewing bow much
baptifm availeth, in that Chrijl him/elf xvouldbe
bapiiz^ed by a fervant , and Infants that cannot
them fe Ives believe are baptiz,ed " [^ Quod tradi-
^^tunp tenet univerfitas EccUfidt cum parvuli In-
^^ f antes baptiz^antur qui nondum pojjnnt corde ere-
*' dere ad jnftitiam or ore confiteri ad falntem ,
*' qnoA latro pot nit : Qninetiam fie n do cr vagien-
*'\ do cum ineis my ft er turn celebratnr^ ipfis my flic is
^^ vocibp!^ objirepunt •, Cr tanr.en Nulliis Chriftia-
** mts dixerit eos inaniter baptiz^ari. J That is,
[■ Which all the * ^tjurch holdtth
when little Infants are bapti- =*■ Including the Do-
z.ed, who certainly cannot yet natifrs.
with the heart believe to righ-
tcoiifnef and with the mouth confef to Salvation :
And yet no Qoriftian will fay that they are ba-
ptiz^ed in vain, J
Thus he arguetH againft the Donatifts , If the
whole Church hold hifant-Baptifm, and noChri-
ftiau will fay that it is in vain, though iheythem-
fv.^lvcs believe not and confefs not, then you flioc'd
not fay all baptifm is vain becaufe we Catholicks
;iJn:imifter it, or becaufe it is received in our
R 4. Churches.
(2^2)
thurdics. The whole tenor of j4nftirjs charitar
ble language to the Donatifts , and the fcope of
this place Iheweth, that he here pleaded Hniver-r
fat confent , and by [^ all the Church ^ and [] no
Chriftian~\ includeth the Donatifts. And fo he
oft argueth againft the Pelagians, who though
they denied original fin, durft not differ from
the whole Chriftian world by denying Infantr
baf'tifm^ but pretended that it was for the convey-
mce of Graccy though not for remitting fin *
5^. 15. And A^tJHn next addeth \^Etp qnif-
cjuam i?i hac re . anthor.itatem divinam qnarai
( Quanqu^m quod umverfa tenet Ecckfta ^nec
Conctltts irjftitutumj fed femfer rctcntumefl^ 7ion
mfi authontate Apofteltca tr adit urn rcQiffme cre^
dittir ) tamcn veraciter conjicere foffummy &c. ]
That hy ^"^ [ And if any one in this cafe ( of In'"
^^fant'bafttfm) ask^for Divine authority (Though
^^ that which the nniverfal (or whole) Church
*' doth hold , and )X>as fiat injiitnted by Councils
^^ hut was ever held^ is mo ft rightly believed to
^^be delivered by the Affiles authority) yet 'we
may truly conjecture ^ dec, (^and fo he paueth to
che Scripcure argument from Circumci/ion. )
5f. 16. Here note, 1. That this v/as no contro-
ver/te with the Donatiftsy 2. Nor with any other
Seci^ but held by all the Churchy 3. That he only
faith as in a Parendielis that [that which all the
whole Church heldcthy and did ever hold, not in^
ftituted by any Comic ily is juflly taken for an
Apoftclical tradition , ] which I think few Pro-
teftants or fober Chriftians will deny. Who can
fmagins that Ttmothy , Titus , Sil^is and alf the
'^ V/hol?
(249)
whole Church in the Apoilles daies ;ind ever fine?,
ihpuld hold and agree in any thing as a part of
(hrifitiin DoBrine or Worfhip, which they had
not trom the Apoftles ? Had the Apoflles fo lit-
tle charity as not to endeavour to redifie any of
iheir errors ? 4. Note here that the Donatifts ne-
ver denied this ( that 'Infant -haptifm vaas ever
[jeld by the whole Church to that day ^ and not
inftitute^dhy any Council: ) And were not ^//y?f>,
the Donatifls and ^ the whula Church liker to
know \\\tuniverfality 2sA AntlqHlty cf the thing,
xhan the Holland or EngUfi Anabaptifts about
fourteen hundred, years af:er them ? 5. Note that
hthxm^dkiScri^tur^foritalfo.
jj. 17. Indeed I find feme that before thofe
tinnes had been ahove Ordinances and againfl ajl
baftifm^ but none againfi Infatn-haftifm zs un-
la\vjiiL\\\tidQ\:t jiugiiftine faith eliewhere^thatit
is eaficr to find Heretickj that deny all baftifm^
than any that change iht form of baptizing -^Ao
fuxe hath the Tradition of univerfal practice de-
livered down tl)e form and words of baptifm to '
us. ' •
<C. 18. Afterward pag, 230* Ed. 2. Mr. Ban^
vers cometl'i to cyiuftm again , and faith that
Vincent 114^ ViUor did oppofe Audln in the point
of Infant^baptifm y citing Augufl. li. 3. c. 14. dc
Animx.
u4nfw. Not a word of truth : no fuch matter
in that Chapter or the whole book.
^. 19. Next he faith '' [" Crefconius did alfa
'-' ovfbfe Auftiii in the poi^n of Infants baptifm^ and
5' did maintain that there was no true ba-
*^ ftifm but that which adminiflred after faith.
Anfw, Utterly falfe ftill. There was no fuch
controverfie between them. No wonder if he had
mifcited' fentences that will thus go to falfifie
whole Books, as fpeaking of that which they ne-
ver meddle with I Augufiirje having written againft
Tetilian ( their beft ^eaker, having of a Lawyer
been made a Bifhop ) Crefconim a Donatift Gram-
marian interpofed for Tetilian , and perfwaded
jiuftiH to gentleif thoughts of them 5 but fpeaks
not a word againft Infant-bapcifm.
^.20. Nay, lib,^* cap.^i, ^////;;2 tells us that
ihey held it as well as the Catholicks -. faith he,
\^Circumcifionem certe fr^futii in figtira futiiri
ha^tifmi (^iorijii ah antiqitis obfervatHm ejfe , wf-
gare^ Ht arhitror^ non audetis : That is, ^^ Ifup-
'^ P^fi yo^ dare not deny that CircHmcifion yeas
^^ ohferved by the ancients in figure of the Chri^
^-^ ft tan bapttfm,'} It was a granted thing.
p. 2 1 . And it was Crefcomm words to Aufiin
^Vna Reli^ioy eadem Sacr amenta-, nihil in Chri-
ftiana obfervatione diver fnm : ^ adhitc adverfm
invicem Uboramm ? Saich Auftin^ Quare ergo re-
baptiz^od Chrifttannm f "Ego non rel:?aptiz,o ; that
is, " [] We have all one KeligioUy the fame Sacra-
^' mentSy there is nothing in onr Chriflian obfer-
^^ vat ion divers (faith Crefconim ) And yet do
'* Vpe ftrive againfl each other ? Why then dofi
*' thou rebapttz^e a Chriftian ( that diifereth not
^'from them? ) / rebaptiz^e no Chriftian^ (faith
*' Aitflin, ) So that here was no dtfagreement in
Sacraments or any Chriftian obfervance. Only
as Auftin faiih lib* 7. de hapt, r. 2. the quarrel
was
Was that the Catholicks were charged to beTV^-
ditores quia ex traditorihHs, the fuccejfors of fn^
tiers: Thus being rvife and right eotu overmncb
did tear and almoft ruine the Churches.
^.22. *' He addeth, fag, 223. Ed. 2, the fay-
'*ing oiOftander^ Fuller ^ BHlltnger^ that the Do-'
*' nacifts and the Anabaptifts held the fame ojini'
Anfw. I. In what ? In all things or fome ?
that is, in the point of Rebaptiz^ing perfons before
hapttz^ed ( do you own that indeed ? ) But not as
being againft Infant -baptifm. 2. So, many Pre-
latifts have called the Puritans Doriatifts - and
abundance of Proteftants fay that the Paptfis fuc-
ceed the Dojiatifts in appropriating the Church to
their party. Do not write next that they fay the
Papifts are againft Infant -baptifm^ left you make
your felves Antichrijlian alfo,
5J. 23. Reader, the Donatifts were fo^rf^^ a
fjnrty of men and had fo great a number of Bt-
pops ^ and fo many wrote againft them whofe
Txorkj are yet extant^ and their caiife had fo ma-
ny piiblick^ exavnnations , that I leave it to thee
if thou have the brains of a man, to judge whe-
ther it they had been againft Infant-baptifm in
Iei time when Aujlin ftid no Chnftian dented it^
neither Opt at w^ nor Anfttn , nor any oiher ot
their moft copious oppofers would ever have
charged them with fuch an opinion, nor any ex-*
aminers , Councils or Hiftorians of their ages ^
even when the Catalogues of -hereticks unhappi-
ly took in fo many little matters as they did,
and made hereticks fome more and worfe than
they
they were? And now if JohnBecold will fay
thiey were of his fide, we muft believe him,
5^. 24. His dealing with the Novatians is the
fame or worfe : He feared not in the face of the
Sun, to write that the Novatians ofpofed hfant-
iaftifm^ and pumbreth them alfo with his party.
When it is a falfliood as much aggravated as thefe
particulars import, i. They were an honeftand
numerous people , and fcattered almoft all over
the Empire •, tolerated till Innocents time in Romey
and long tolerated and much favoured by niany
Emperors and Fatriarchs in Confiantinofle , be-
caufe fas Socrates faith j they agreed in Do-
drine with the Catholicks : And could they have
denied Infant- baptifm , and not be acculed of it ?
2. They had many bitter enemies that would foon
have catl: this in their teeth, 3. Many Councils
had to do with them, where multitudes had op^
portunity to accufe them. 4. They were an an-
cient Sed, arifing even in Cyprians timQ , and
long continued : And in fo many generations it
would have been known. 5. They are put in
the Catalogues of many Herefiographers that are
keen enough , and none of them ( that ever I
found) accufe them of any fuch thing: No not
Epiphanies himfelf, who is moft copious, and not
very backward to accufe. And fliall either J'ohn
of Leyden or any of his party now in the end of
9 the world perfwade us , by flandering fo many
thoufands of innocent men, that they were guil-
ty ? And can Mr. Danvers now tell m that they
held that which for a thouCand years hath \^a
unknown? ^ ' ^^ ,-.
^. 25 . He citeth Socrates ^ /. 7. c, 9. that i"^*
iffffrf;7f banifhed them out of Rome,
jinfvp. Elfevfhere indeed Socrates and many
more fay fo : But doth that prove they were againft
Jnfant'bafttfm ?
^. 26. Somewhat he would fain fay at the (e-
tond hand cut o^^lhajpi/jawy Obferv. 20. I hope
he never read the book : JilbafpinaHs there pur*
pofely decidcth the Controverfie, what the Nova-
tian Herefie iv<^ , in feveral Chapters , and ne-
ver raentioneth any fuch opinion or fHJpicion of
ihem. The fame doth that great Antiquary Jc-
fuit Petavtm ♦, ( and what thefe two men knew not
of the Fathers and Church-hiftory, few in the
world knew, unlefs I may except Blonde I and
Vjljer:) In his notes on Epiphanitu of the No-
vatians , he cntreth on the fame Controverlie as
jilbajpin^m did, and never mentioneth any fuch
thing.
^. 27. Next he tells us that " Ecbertus and Eme-
** ricus do ajfert that the Waldenfes , the new ^a*
** thariy conform to the Dotlrine and manners of the
*' old^ the Novatians*
Anf\\\ But did they fay that the Novatiatts
Vitxtagaijjfl Infant -B^^pttfm} Why did you cite
neither words, page nor Book? And if they had,
fhould two railing flanderous Papifts near a thou-
fand years after Novatian be taken for witneiTes
that he was againft hifant-baptifm^ againft all the
Hiftory of the Church that concu-neth them to the
contrary ? 5^cr^ff^ himfelf (an honell Hiftorian )
and Soz.omen alfo are ordinarily by the Papifts ac-
cufed as Novatians^ becaufe they fpeak iairiy and
impar-
impartially of them as honeft tften : ( and whether
ihey were or not I know not, but by their own
words conjcd^ure the contrary ) And they lived
when and where the Novatians were beft known .;
And yet tell us not a fy liable of any fuch fuipi-
cion of them.
^. 28. Next he faith, Ferln faith that the Wal^^
denfes were the off-fpring of the NovMi^nSy dri^
ven out of Rome^^o//^ Anno 400.
. Anfw. Iris very probable : Therefore the PF^/-
denfei were not againft Infam-baftifm. For it
is certain the Novatians w^xt not: And the fame
Ferin faith the Waldenfes were not. But if they
had, would that prove that the Novatians were ,
fcven hundred or eight hundred years before ?
5^. 29. Next he citeth as Cajfanders reafon
againft him that the Donatifts were for Infant-
baptifm , the fixth Council of Carthage^ faying
that [] All that returned from the Donatifts (honld
he received into the Catholick Church withoi^t
rehaftiz^ation though haftiz^ed in Infancy^ ] and
faith 5 " [^ /f is hut afuppojition at beft that they
^-^ might he baptizjed in Infancy or they might noty
*^and can fignifie nothing againft all the former
*' evidence, j And is it not fhame and pity that
fo publick matters of fad: muft be handled at this
rate ? What is his former evidence but fuch as
humane nature may blufh at, to find that one call-
ed a man and a Chriflian^ and too good for the
communion of fuch as we , fliould be guilty of ?
And why talketh he of this one reafon againft
him in fo publick a matter of Hiftory ? as if he
knew not wha; abundance more may eafily be
pro-
produced , if it were of any need ? And how
(hamefully are thefe plain words of a Conncil
put off, as if all the Bifhops that lived in the
fame time and Countrey with them knew not
what the Donatifis hold, fo well as he and fucU
as he?
. ^. 30. His next witnefles are [^ the ancient
Britains that having received the Chrtfiian do-
Brine and worjliip from the jipfiles times did
inttrely keep thereto vchom Auftin the Monk^
would have engaged [ efpecially in Chriftening
children and kfeptng Eafler^ but in afmnch as
they utterly refufed to be feduced by him there-
in dec,
Anfw. This is a witnefs ( being fuch a body
of mtneffes ) of great importance ('as that of
the Donatifis and Novatians was ) \i it were
true : But it's all falfe ftill : And muft our own
Countrey , yea all our Chriftian Anceftors be
thus flandered ? Whether Britain received the
Chriftian dodrine and worfhip from the j^pc*
files time (^ if he mean in that time ) is very
doubtful and nothing to our bufinefs : we have
no fufficient proof of any fuch thing ; The Reafon
itf the cafe maketh me conjefturc that Chriftia-
nity was firft brought hither by Soldiers, of the
Roman Legions ; efpecially fince I read in 'Beda
that the firft Temple I find any mention of was
built at or near Canterbury by fuch Soldiers,
But who ever brought it, it's like they were of
the Afian and not the Roman opinion , Cwhe-
ther Soldiers that had been in the u4/w» Legions,
or who elfe, is not known ) and it is certain
tbac.
- (25^;
tba^ they were not agaipfi: the obfemtion of
Eafter : For both they and the Scots that con-
curred with them again ft the Romans , did ftri-
dtly keep it : But all the queftion was of the dne
titne^
^.31. Nor is there the leaft proof or. pro«
bability that they were againfl Infant jBaptifm,
I . Becaufe jingnftine the Monk that quarrel-
led with them, never chargeth them with it, in
his Ep* to Gregory or to themfelves. 2- Beda
that was downright againji them^ and a Roman
x^ealoty and the ancientefl writer after (^afiins
time, and lived in the fame Country with themy
and k!iew them , and defer ibeth all the contefis
with them, yet never layeth any fuch thing to
their charge ; when yet he mentioneth the Re^
baptiz^ing of One by Bijhop John , beeaiife it
was an ignorant infufficient man -for the Prieft-
hood, that Baptized him •, and this a rare inftance.
3. The Scots that about Eafter and other con-
trarieties to the Romansy were of the Britains
mind , and refufed fo much as to eat with the
Romans , yet are charged with no fuch thing.
4. And the controverfie continued for above an
hundred years after Anflins time, and great ftir
and meetings and difputes were about it, ^s Beda
tells us at large, before the 5^0/ i were changed :
And in all that time , there would have been
opportunity for their forward adverfaries ( efpe-.
cially Wilfrid^ afterward St. Boniface o(Mentz.y
who was the Chief ^ to have found out this
matter of accufation. 5. None of the hiftorians
near following thofe times do charge any fucji
thing
C*57)
thing on them. And yet were the old Brltaih
againft Infant -Baptifm i
P* 32. But to puc all out of doubt take the
words of Aiiftin to thena in his three deaiand^
thus by Beda recorded , Eccl. Hifl. li. 2. c. 2.
[^ Vt Pafchafiio tempore celebretis •, ut (zJ^fini-
fterinm ha^tiz^andi ^no Deo renafcimiir juxta
rnortm RontdL fanB^JEcclefi^t^ et jipoftoltc<t Ecclt-
fi£ compleatis •, nt genti Anglorum una nobifcHm
pritdicetis verhnm domim'\. Thai: is, ''[^ \,That
*'^ you celebrate Eafier at the due time -^ 2. That
*-^ye complc^it the Mini fir y of Baptifm by which
*' we are born again toGod ^according to theftjljion
^^(or manner) of the holy Church c/Rome,^?/^
^^ the zy^poj%lical Qjitrch* 3. 1\m you Preach
^^ with US the word of God to the Englijl) Na-
tion~}.
And what is here 0^ Infant ~B apt if 7i ? How
proveth he that that was meant by the Roman
manner or faflfion o^ Baptizing ? Is the fnbe[i
ofBaptifm, the Manner? when about the Man-
ner indeed there were then fo many and different
ceremonies ? Nay when above an hundred years
before this Anflim dayes , a wifer Anfin had
.told the Donattfls^ that the whole Church was
agreed for Infanr-Baotifm , and no one Chrtftian.
held it to be in vain ? fure this was not fo iono
after, a Manner peculiar to Rome } But rliu'^
the honour of our Anceflors , and the hiftoryof
the Church , and the fouls of poor ignorant
Chriftians among u?, muft allbc heinoufiv wronp-
C(i by the falihoods of rafh prcfuming iguoranc
men •
S ^'. 33,
^. 3 3. And if this had been as true as it is *
falfe f that the old Britains were againft Infant-
. Baptifrn ) it wbuld inform thefe men that it is
not delaying Baptifrn till riper age , that will
keep it from formality , nor the Church from
falling into all impiety : For if our eldeft hifto-
rian C?/^^ may be believed (and who may if
not he?) his Countrymen me Britains^ were
TrinceSy Pricfts and Teofle fallen to fuch abho-
minable wickednefs , murder, drunkennefs, filthy
lulls, deceit, thefc , cruelty &c. that he takes
the Princes for wolves and monfters , and the
Pricfts for no Priefts but traytors , ( excepting
fome good men among them ) &c. It is neither
Infant nor Addt Bnpifm that will fecure againft
the corrupting of Churches, but Grace with either
hath faved fouls.
(• 34. He cites himfelf here £<?>', quoting Me-
day Polychron.znd others. And what fay they ?
[] Baftiz.ing after the manner of Rome 3 And
what's that to his queftion ? But he tells you that
Fabian faith |^ that yoit give Chrifiendom to
children r\ I have not Fabian to examine ; but if
he do, when he knoweth that he is an empty
fellow, of the other day as it were, and that he
hath nothing but what cometh from Gregory^
and Beda ; and that in them there is no fuch
thing : will a known falfificacion of a fabler about
nine hundred years after , difprove the yet-vifi-
hie words of the eldefl records , which undertake
to give you not only ih^ fenfe but the very
terms }
5fo 35. He proceedeth to prove by argHment
that
that the Britain s were ag^iafi- Infant Ba-
pifm.
I. Bccanfe they received the Scriptures ^ the
Chrifttan Faith^ Doctrine and Difcipline fro:n
the u4poftles and AiiaEick Churches^ who had
no fuch thing m the BapttT^ing of Infants among
them /
Anfw. No fuch thing in the AfiaticVs Chur-
ches ? He might as welj fay, There is now no
fuch thing in England, But perhaps hee'l fay
that he meaneth in the Apoflles time or foon
after : Of which you have tryed pare of his
ftrength. But when he hath fludied well Bifliop
Vfljers Vrimordia who faith all that is to be faid
for our Antiquity, he will find no proof that we
had our Religion from the Apollles or any in
their time.
^. 36. But ask the man whether Afia it felf
long before the dayes oi Gregory had not Infant-
Baptifm ? And whether they received not the
cScriptures and Religion as certainly from the
Afiatick^ Churches, and fo from the Apoftles ,
as the Britaifls did ? And- whether this will
prove that at that time they were againft Infant-
Baptifm ? if nor, why will it prove the fame of
the Britains ?
^.37. His fecond Argument is \ Becanfe they
fo fnlly priz^ed and faithfully adhered to the Scri-
ptnre^ &C.]
Afifw, What will not partiality fay ? i.You
mull: believe him that Scripture is againjv ///-
fint'Baptifm : And then the coicrovirrfie h a:
an end. 2. You niufi: helnve him ho.v ciofc^ly'
S 2 thev
( ^6o )
ftiey adhered to Scripture, if you can, when you
have read Cydda^s ( who is tranllated into £n-
glifh^ their neighbour^ one Dfthem^ the only cer-r
tain hiftorian that knew them, who defcribeih
them as I have laid, as moft flagitious heinous
wicked men. Though I hope they amended after
Gilda^ dayes ,yet that {hewed you how they held
to Apoftolick difcipline or Scripture. The
book is fo very fmall •, it is but equal to intrcac
him to read it before he ufe
^ Itfeenisby fome this argument again *. 3. You
orations out of it af- ^^^ ^,/-,.^, ^,^, ^hat kll that
ter that he hath read •• , ji c *
it, and yet fpeaks P^^^^Le and adhere to Sen-
thus! ■ pture are againft Infant-Ba^
ptffn;. Read and try whe-
ther there be not greater evidence that Cypriariy
jithafioftii^^ NA;Lianz.€ne^ (^hryfofiomey AngnftinCy
the iEgyptian Monks, and other fuch ftn<ft per-
fons in thofe ages, at leafl the Novaitians , and
I>^;;^r(/?^ (in his own judgement) prized the
Scripture than the Britains i And doth it fol-
low (in defpitc of their own profeflions and pra-
difes ) that all thcfe and the reft fucli.were againfi
hifant'^Bapifm <'
^.38. Were not this as good an argument ?
Luther^ CalviriyZmngliHiy Bradford^Hoo^er -^ all
the Martyrs in Queen Maria dayes, &c. prized
the Scriptures : Ergo they were all againft In-
fant. Baptifm. Yea even IrJe fen dent i and Fref-
hytevidns and all that prize and cleave to them
now in England ?
<o 39. 3. He addech ["^^'i5fr.'?//p they did fa
^"uehernemly rejt^ him^rie Tr adit ions in the wor-'
■ ■ -- "/"p
(26l)
^^flilp of God • efpec tally all Romijlj Rites and
'* Ceremonies j this as before undeniably appear-
** ing to come from Roraes ordination and ImpO"
''fmon.]
Anfw> I. £Undeniably]\s ^ word ihzt jliameth
you to every inteiligcnc Reader that underftand-
eth Church hiftory. Will you not confefs your
felf that Cyprian and that Carthage Council,
Naz^ianz^ency Bafil,] AHgnfiine &:c. were for In-
fant-Baptifm > were all thefe Papifts, or Romans ?
Can you prove any Roman Ordination of it be-
fore all thefe ?
2. How know you that they fo z-ehemently
rejeCied humane 'Traditions in the vporflnp of God ?
Did they not ufe the Aftatick Ceremonies f Did
they not precifely obferve Eafier , and place Re-
ligion in keeping it on their own dayes ? Had
they not Btjlwps^ and were they not Monks ^
And do you gather by Gildas that they were fuch
as you dream ? And did they not Plead Tradi^
tion for their difference from Rome ?
3. And were not the Scots then of their mind,
and as much agiinft Traditions as they ? and
more againft vi e and formality in afid after
Colmans and Coliimbanti^ dayes ? And are not
the Indepetidents more againft Traditions now
than the Britains were ? And are they therefore
Anahaptifls f
^. 40. He addeth [] 4. " Bccaitfe Conftantine
^' the Great (the fon ^/Conftancc and the famotts
* ' Helena , both eminent Chrifiians ) in the yci r
'' 305. iv^ not Baptiz^ed till he vqm aged as be^
^^fore^ AcleAr proof that theChriJltMS /;; Bri-
S 3 *'tain
''tain*> thofe daycs did not 'Baptlz.e theii' chiU
^^dren2»
u4^f\v. Some will laugh at thefe things, but
I had*ra:her mourn for the poor peoples fnares.
T. It's talfe that Constance was a Chriflian , at
leafl: when Confiamine was youiig. No rcgarda-
ble hiflory miketh him any better than a mode-
rate fa'vourer of the Cbriftians. 2. It is not
-proveable that Helena was one in Confiantines
Infancy. 3 . There is no probability that he was
-born in EngUndy as many Learned men have:
proved. 4. It is certain he was educated and
lived in oiher Lands. 5. He was no Chrifti-
an in his youth himfelf, nor profeiTed it till after
he wa> Empercr : The fign of a Crofs appear-
ing in the skies and his victory thereupon is
faid to be the means. 6. He lived long at
Ri>me^ and Conftantinofle, and elfewhere before
he was Baptized. And was that a certain froof
that none of thofe Gountreys were for hifant*
Baptifm, no nor for Bapcidn at Convcrfion nei-
ther, because Canftamine was not Baptized [
7. He kept in 'with the Philofophers f having
one at his Table familiar with him^ to hold all
parties to him. 8. • And many 'in thofe times?
thought that all Cm being pardoned at Baptifm',
they mud live much ilridlier af:er they were
Baptized, and were in much morfe dinger by
their fin , and thertfore would not be Baptized
tiJl old , as Co:^flai'itinc when he was like rodie^
And now where is this mans ckar proof that the
BritM72s were A-^^haftijls ?
^. 41. $,Sx\ihht[^' Becafife of the Correfport^
^' dency and unity that were between the French
" p}rtfiians after called the Waldenfes, and them
" • viz. Germanus and Lupus. ^
Anfxv, What abundance of untruths will one
mans head hold •' i. Fe would make the igno-
rant believe that the French Churches that fent
over Germa?jus and Lnpm were fuch as after
were called Waldenfes: When yet before he ci-
teth P^n>z laying tliat the Waldenfes w^rc the off-
fpring oftheiVoz'^/^/?jbani'hedfrom^<?;;?f. Beda
Hifl. EccL Itb, I. c, 17, 18, 19, 20,21. tells
us brieriy that the Br it aim being infeded with
Pelagian ifm by A^ricoU the fon of Severian^
a Velagian Bifhop , fent to France for help, as
being unable themfelves to difpute the cafe. The
Bifliops of France in a great Synod agreed to
fend German in Bilhop of Qy^ltijfwdore , and Ln-
piij Bilhop of Trecajfe ( brother to Vincentim
Lerinenfs, ) Projper in his Chronicle tells us
that Gerwaniis was fent by Pope Cclefline by the
inftigation of Valladim a Deacon : Vfjcr reciteth
and rejedeth not Baroniits his conciliation, that
it was done by the Pope and FrerKh Bifhops,
Germanus and Litpm come over, and work mi^
racles by the way, and here Germanus carried
a box with him of the Reliques of all the Apo-
ftles and many Martyrs ( Bedac.i^,) This he
layeth to the eyes of a blind maid and curefl
her fuddediy, which confounded the Pelagians:
Thefe Reliques he buryed in St. j4lbanes Sepul-
chre •, And inftead of them took with him fome
of the dud where Sr. Albanes bloo^ had been fhed ,
S 4 which
which remained red till then. And after other mi-
racles and a vidory he returned with a pro-
fperous navigation, faith Beda c, 20. by his own
Merits and Su Aihanesm^xct?i\ox\, Afterwards
he returned again in a fecond neeeflity with 5tf-
njerm^zn^ delivered the Britains irom Pelagi-
anifn[i, who yet lived in fuch wickcdnefs as Be*
da after 6*^7^^ defcribeth.
Here let the Reader note againft Mr. JD^;/-
vers dream, i. That this was done in 429^
And if Mr. D. could prove indeed that all the
Eilhops of France tli^n were WaldenfcSy or of
the judgement fo called fo long after, he would
do us Knights fervice againft the Papifts
in the queftion of the -perpetual visibility of the
Church. But if I cite yiv.Danvers for it, I doubt
they will laugh at me , and make no more of
his authority than I do of the Dntch Jinabaftljts
Marty rology.
, 2. Note that Frcfper faith it was the Pop€
that fent Germ arms.
3. Note that he was fent by the Bi (hops of
France , who ihen did little differ from RomCy
but fubmitted to his Primacy, (and Patriarchate )
in the Empire , thqugh referving their liberties •
Read the Epiftles of Leo i. againft Hillary
ylrcUt. and ail that ftory, and you will fee how
much the Pope ufurped there betimes.
^.. Pope Celcfiine was the great maintainer
of <>y(fH^HftrAe againft PelagitiSy and fo the apter
todothi--'. /
5. . The Pope had before this fent PalU-
dins lO the Britai'/js who received him : And
there-
therefore they were then on fomc fair terms with
him.
6. Germmus and Ln^Hi were Bifhops, and
they that fent hina •, and fo Antichriftian to fomc
yirjahaftilts
7. Germaniu fure was not ofMr.DV. Church,
that ufed ReHques fo ftrangely for working mi-
racles ? Was this an Anahaftift ?
8* This was all done after Atignfline had
written, that no Chrifiian thought Infant-B^'
pifm vain : ( or about that time. ) And yet
were all the Britaim then of another mind ?
9. The Bifhops of France ("with Pope C^-
lejiine) took part with AHgnflrne againft Tela-
gitiiy and fent Lftpfi^ with Germantu to do that
work : And yet were all thcfe Bifhops againft
Augtifline^ about Infant-Baptifm, which he faith
ali the Chnrch Vniverfal agreed in ?
10. Laftly , the Britains were infefted with Pe-
lagianifm -, Felagim (" called tJMorgan^ being a
Britain ( and Vfl}er faith, fome fay born the fame
day with Anguflhie ) and (^elefiius a Scot or
Jri^i man •, And the Pelagians themfelves were
for Infan-tBaptifm , ( And if any Chriftians in
the world had been againft it, they would have
been the likelieft , who denyed Original fin :
Yet even they durft not deny this. ) And is it
a credible thing that all thefe ^rir^/;?^ who were
fome oiPelagim's mind, and fome o^ AuguflineSf
were yet againft both in point of Infant-Ba-
ptifm ? Yea and not a word faid of this by any
writer , when their Pclagianifm made fo great a
ftir / Yet this m;in gathereth that the Churches
of
(266)
0^ France were Anaha:ptifts ( contrary: to all
hiftory j becaufe the WMertfes 600 years after
were Anabaftifls (which is alio faife:)And the Bri- '
tains were Anaba^tifts , becaufe the Churches of
France Tent two Learned men to diipute againft
Pelagianifoi in England , fwhen tne unlearned
Britains could not do it). Reader, will not
this kind of arguing make thee an Anahaftifl ?
or elfe make tbee pitty the Muced party ?
O what a temptation to Popery do fuch men lay
before the people / When men fee that every
fuch a one that hath ignorance and pride enough
to make him wife in his own eyes , (hall thus
pour out falfhoods to cheat mankind , and the
ignorant know not but it may all be true, ittem-
pceth men to think that there mull be fome
AHthoriz^ed men whom the Ignorant mu^ believe
before fnch feditcerSy or elfe confufion and falf-
lu5od will take place of truth, and the people
will .be as children tojfed up and down^ and car-
ry ed to and fro with every wind of do^rine.
And indeed a concordant Miniftry is fo to be
preferred , though it infer not 3 Roraan iefaili-
fcility.
. ^, 42. 6. His laft proof that the Britains
were " againfl Infant Baptifm, is becaufe Augu-
f^ftine the <\y^onkwas hirr^felf fo raw and igno-
*' rant in the rite ^ as to ask^ , How long the
^^ Baptiz,ing of a child might be deferred^ there
*' being no danger of deaths ~}
Anfw, I grow afhamed that I have medle^
with fuch a Colledor : A baculo ad angulum^
Doth it not rartier imply ttat there was no contro-
verfie
(267 )
verfie between him and the Britain about In*
fant-Baptifm, feeing he never mentioned any fuch
thing?
^. -43. His next witnefks againft Infant-Bu-
ftifm are in the fourth Century , called by him
*' DadQes , S^ha^ , j^dnlphpn , and Simonps vcho
*'(faiLh he in his catalogue ) opfofe it. And
*' p. 229. he faith to prove it, but that f/?^^ were
^^ charged to have an ill opinion of the Sacrament
*''^of the Altar and of Infants Baptifw. And he
*' cireth Htftor. Tripartita h\ 7. c. 1 1. f and fome
''fellow an hundred years ago.)
Anfn\ And have we here any honefter dea-
ling than before ? Read and judge. That which
the Tripartite Hiftory cited by him faith is this,
that [^ There was then a Sed called Meffalians
or Eiichetcs (^ known in the Catalogues of Here-
ticks ) and called The Praying Hereticks ) who
expedted the operation of Tome Devil think-
ing him to be the Spirit of God , refufing to
work and giving themfelves to lie and ileep to
exped Revelations ^ Indeed their opinion was that
Prayer vcas all, and Baptifm and the Lords Sitp^
per were nothing , dicentes Divinum cibum nihil
nee prodeffe nee Udcre ^ that the Sacred or Sacra^
mental food^ did neither profit ncr hnrt : Thefe
ttKn were led by one Dadoes^ Sabbos^ Adelphi-
fiiy Herman and Simeon : And Adelphtu when
old ( for they hid their opinion ) bewrayed his
error in a fpeech to Flavian of ^ntioch-^ that
Baptifm ' doth the Baptiz.ed perfon no good, but
prayer enly cxpelUth the Davil. And i» Thefe
men were no more againft Infant -Baptifm than
againfi
again ft the adults Bap if w. For they wefe ^fe-^/ip
all Ordinances f^cve Fra/ere 2. They wer'(t1||
againft neither as Hnlawfnl , but againft both and
other ordinances as unprofitable. 3. They car-
ryed this much in fecret ; which they could
not have concealed had they not Baptized In-
fants. 4. Some hereticks, and all Infidels and
Pagans were againft all Baptifra as well as they :
And doth any of this prove that any one Chri-
Itian was againft Infant Baptifm moi;e thart
adult? V '
d. 44, ^^ Next he tells you that Fauflus J^e^
^^ gienfis faith that Perjonal and aliual deprevpos
** re qui fit e in every one that wa^ to be Baptiz^ed
( Fincertt and Crefconim I fpoke to before ) And
he citeth not a word of his writings for it, nor
any other but one Jacob Merning , I fuppofe a
Dutch Anabaptifi,
Anfw. Pveader, thou feeft ftill how thou art
ufed. Fan ft as Rhegienfis is a' known Author ;
his works are common ^ He is commonly taken
for a Semipelagian^ and he hath a book to' prove
thaty^«/j are ^o^/>j, which Clandiantu JMammertm
hath anfwered. But I never read one fyllable in
him^ nor in any other that ever wrote of him or
againft him, that fhould make one doubt whether
he was for Infant -b apt tfm. Could he be in fuck
a ftation as he was, and have fo many writings,
and fo many adverfaries , and yet hold fuch aa
©pinion and never be fufpeded? Do the Anaba-
piifts no better own their canfiu ? But the words
he alledgeth are but fuch as he citeth of my own ;
If truly cited, no doubt fpoken only of the adnlt^
(.69)
and of what the Infants do by them. But who
can anfvver words not cited ? Muft we read all
his works again to fee if there be fuch a word ,
as oft as fuch a man will talk to us at this race >
^. 45. The next is ^' [ Albanus a zealous god-
*' iy Minifter in the lixth Century was put to '
** death for baptizing Believers , though baptized
[^ in Infancy or by Heretick?.]
^Afjfw. Still all alike, i. Baronim is cited ^^^
413. n. 6, when in my Book there is not a fylla-
ble of any fuch matter : 2. But thereabout he hath
the Hiftory of the Donatifts, who rebaptized all
both old and young , as if our Separadft^ now
fliould tell all Eng^Lmd , [ Ton are all out of
the tyue Church which is only with m^ and if
yoti come uot to pu and he not baptiz,ed in our
Churches^ you have no true bapnfrn nor can be fa^
ved. 1 And for fuch rebaptizing many were
troubled. And is this a wimefs againft Infant-
baptifm? Shall we not have o;/f rrw^ ivor^ i'
5f. 46. His tale of Swermers he refers us for
to ^JHerning and Rulicius , or Lulicim and
Glmavu , men that I know nor fo well as hira-
felf, and I had rather he had referred me to him-
felf or Mr. Tombes.
^\ 4^. He addeth p. 25 1 . '^ [] Nicephorus 1, 17.
^^f. 9. f^ith that [[ In the year 550. one Peter ^z-
^^ fliop of Apamen and Zoroarus a Monk^ in Syria
*' did maintain and defend the point of dipping^
*' rebaptiz^ation or weder-dipping*
jinfw. Did Nicephorns write in Dutch ? i. Is
dipping any thing to the cafe of Infants ? 2. Are
you really for Rebaptiz.ing •, and are you juftify-
mg
(270)
ing it ? If not, why ciie you inftances of Rebaptu
Zers ? Too many befides the Donatifts rebaptiied
others to engage them to their Sed as the only
Church. 3 . Do you know the Hiftory of the
Council of Cakedon and Dlofcoms^ and the Ne-
ftorians ? Reader, beUeve not this man any fur-
ther than fenfe or great evidence conftraineth
thee : That which Ntcefhorus there faith is this,
[[Severus of Antioch, and Peter c/Apamea, and
Zooras a .Monkey were found to curfe the Conn^
cil of Cakedon, and to hold but one nature in
Chrifi ^ fraterea anahaftifmos aliaque nefanda,
obfc ocHit at is -^lena facinor averager Cy that is, [] and
alfo to have fraUi fed Rebaftiz^tngs^ and other viU
lanies full of fitch ohfcenity that is not to be na-
med, J If he rejoyce in thefe Witnefies, is here a
word of Infant ^baft if m f When (hall I come to
a fentence that is true ?
^.48. The next is [^ Adrian Bifiop of Co^
rinth in the feventh (fentHry did pibiickly of^
■pofe Infant -B apt if m , infomuch as he vpould nei-
ther Baptiz,e them hiwfelf ^ nor fuffcr them to-
be Bapttz^ed by others , bnt wholly denyed Ba^
ptifm to them : Wherefore he was accufcd by Gre-
gory Mag. 3ifwp of Rome , to John Bffl^op of
LarifTa, oi appears by Gregories LetteMto the
faid John, in which arnon^ otl^rs he complains
again fi the faid Adrian that he tumid away
children from B^^ptifm and let them die with-
out it J for which they proceeded again fi him
as a great tranfgrcjfor and bUfphefner,'^
A'-if-x, Not one true Senrtnce in all this t
I. It's lalfe that Adrian pkblickly cpnofed In-
f^nt-
favO
jAnt-Baptifm. 2. It's falfe that he was accnfed
for it by Gregory , or that Gregory laid any fuch
thing to his ch^irge : 3. Or that they fo pro-
ceeded ^ if my books be true. Reader, the cafe
in Grcgories Epiftles here cited is this. Adri-
an was accufed malevolently of many things
( not by Gregory ) but to Gregory : Among
others , that through hfm [owe Infants hr,d dy-
ed without Baptifm, Gregory writeth to John
Bi/l)op of Lartjfa on his behalf ^ and faith that
[^ no one of the witncffes could fay that he knew
any fuch thing by him, but that they were tf^ld
fo by the mothers of fojKe children^ wh&fe f/- r-
bands had fr their faults been removed ( iv-.n^
the Church) fed nee in baptiz^atos eos morti':
icmpus prof ejfi flint occttpajfe y Jkut accufitortrr.i
continebat invidiofa p^gg^flio^ cum in Dcme-
triade Givitate baptiz^atos eos ejfe co?:fiiterit j that
is, \^Nor did (the Wttnejfes ) fay^ that they di-
ed Hnbaptiz.ed y a.s the envious faggeflion of the
accufers contained ^ for it is manifefi that they
were bapttz^ed in the City Deraetrias. ]
I . Is here a word that he was again fl Infant-
baptifm ? 2, CouldaBifhop of fo great a City
and Diocefs have been againft Infant-baptifm and
none to be able to prove ir, even in envioi^ ac-
cufations ? Would not every week deled: it ?
_?. Would Great Gregory h2iVt thus jufiified him,
if he hsd but fufpeded fuch a thing, above a hun-
dred years after Auflin faid no one Chriftian
thought Infa-nt'baptifm vain ? Was this great
Pope an Anabaptift ? 4. Is it not plain by all this,
dut it WJ^but iht particular children of fomer.v-
c urn-
(272)
communicate mens wives, who malicioufly accufe
fiim ( not for being againft Infftnt-bapifm ^ no
nor againft their Infants haftifm ; but ) for delay^
ing it ? It is like, to difference them fronri the
children of Church-members : And yet that they
were afterward baptized. See here what a wit-
ncfs he hath brought ?
^, 49. '' The next in Ris Catalogue is, [[ z/^gy-
^^ ftian Divines "] but after in his book before it
^* he tells you of one Berinius an eminent learned
^^man that frofeffed inftmUion to he nee e (far y be^
^^ fore haptifm, and that without it baftifm ought
*' not to be adminiftred to high or low 2 ^^^ ci-
*neh BedaL^, c. 16.
Reader, the paflage in Beda is but this, That
Ceadwall having conquered the Ifle of Wight
gave it to Bifhop Wilfrid (no friend to Ana-
baptifts ) who gave it his Sifters Son Bernwin
appointing him a Prieft called HildiUy who by his
labour among the Heathens converted and bapti-
zed two of the Kings Sons , who were baptized
and had a ftrange deliverance. And is there a
fyllablc in this ftory that Infant-baptifm is concern-
ed in ? No nor a word of one Berinm an eminent
learned man that frofejfed as he faith , though
it be nothing to the purpofe: Nor was thebufinefs
done as he faith in Lower Saxony but in the Ifle
of Wight • fo little is there that hath the leaft kin
to truth in this lamentable Reporter.
5I. 50. His Teftimony of Egyptian Divines
he citeth two lare Papifts for ( inftead of juft
proof ^ who neither of them ever dreamed that
thofe ^Egyptians were againft Infan#Baptifm.
That
That the adult (hould be Cateehifed and intru-
ded before Baptifnfi, all the Chriftian world
agreed : That there were fome Monafteries of the
-Egyptian Monks that would not hold communi-
on with the Church of Rome , is known -, and
what a turn was made among many of the Cler-
gy after the Council of Chaicedon on Diofcorpu
his account, whereupon a great body of the Sou-
thern Churches cut off from Rome^ and difown-
ing them are called Ncftorians ( many injurioufly )
to this day. And Fhlgentim was di/Twaded from go-
ing to the ftrid: Hereraites and Monafticks near
^gyft 5 becaufe they were feparaied from the
Roman Communion, as you may fee in Fnlgen^
tint's life. But what is all this to Infant-bapdfm?
^.51. Next he tells us that in the ninth Cen-
tury HincmarHS LaHdnnenf, was againft Infant-
baptifm, and recitech many words of Hificmarm
jRhenenps to him.
Ar?fw. The book is Bih. Pat, SnffL To, 2.
containing 55. Chapters: And if I mull read eve-
ry word of fuch long books to try his Citations, I
mud fpend many momhs to be able to tell you
that a man told you fo many untruths: All that
I can find by a curfory perufal is but this, aboi:c
a Village in the other Pari ii , whom it fhould
pay Tythes to , [^ hahth^u imhrcviatos ^not Infan-
tes fine b apt If mate ^ ^ qmt homines fine Cemm^
nione inde obierunt^ cjHiC mihi in pptbiicnm objicere
nolleSy ne pofic4 tibi improper arem ^ at ft alia ma-
U de me fcires , ilia etiam de me dtceres, ~\
Reader , is here a fyllable againft Infant-ba-
ptiftn ? Who was the accufer here ? What is in
T the
f274j
ih^ 2LCCuhnon hut 2iS in Adrians to Gre^. Vfhith
plainly proveth the contrary, that he was for In-
fanr-baptirm and ordinarily ufed it, when the in-
timation was but that he had let fome Infants die
without baptifm and fome men without Communi-
cn ? Hath not many a Minifter among us been fo ac-
cufed? And are we therefore againft Infant-ba-
ptifm ? Or was Hincmarm againft adult Com-
munion becaufe envy faid he let fome die with-
out it ?
^.52. Reader, the truth, is I am fo weary of
this work, that I cannot perfwade my felf to fol-
low it any further, it is fo fad and loath fom a bu-
iinefs that is fet before us ; firter to be wept over
than anfwered at large. I fliall yet take notice.
of what he faith of the WalJenfes , and to that
further fay, i.That I have eifewhere vindicated
thciii ai:;eady from this flander. 2. That fo do many
of their bitter adverfaries, in laying no fuch thing-.
to their charge. Among whom to what is faid
eifewhere, I add but the Teftirnony o'i Naucle*^
rus a PopiQi bitter enemy to them, who FoL 2. '
■part 2, pag, 265. reciteth their Dodrine as being.i
agreeable with the body of Dodrioe held in the ■
Reformed Churches , never mentioning any de-
nial of Infant-bapcifm, but only that they affirm-
ed. Water to be fufficient without Oyl.
And
(275)
AN ,D now as to our Te ft monies for the Com-
mon pradice of Infant-baptifm from the •
daies of the Apoftles, I will not abufe the Rea-
der by reciting again the teftiraonUs long ago re-
cited. Let him but confider what I have there
faid out cf Jffftin , IrenaHs^ Origen^ Tertulliariy
Cyfrian^ Naz.ianz.e?te^ tiyinguflin and others, and
I leave the matter to his Judgement.
5^. 5 3 , And further where they feign Naxjan-
zen to be indifferent I will add but thefe words
out of his Orat, 40. 'vol. i. p. 648. £^. Morel,
''[Hafl thou an Infant? Let not naughtinefs fur-
*' prize him firft, \^ Let him be fanAified from his
"Infancy; Let him be confccrated to the fpirit
^' from his Infancie ; But doft thou fear the fcal
*' becaufe of the weaknefs of his nature ? How
" weak a minded mother art thou , and of how
" little faith ? But Hamjah ^ &:c. Thou huft no
*' need of Amulets and Inchant-
" mcnts * with which the wick- , "" '^^']^''} '^'^^ J^^?;
ic t I • 1 thcns uicd to Cnil-
ed one creepeth mto the ^j.^„^
" minds of vain men , fteal-
"ing to himfelf the veneration doe to God:
^' Give him the Trinity, that great and excellent
" [^ Amulet. ]
That all this is fpoken of Baptifm is paft all
doubt : Yet Naz.ianz.en in fome cafes admitteth
of delay till three years old: But tpok baptifm
to be fo necefTary for Infants , that he ihouohc
that if any though by furprize and not the Pa-
T 2 ^ rents
rents contempt fhould die unbaptized, they fhould
not goe to Heaven ( or hz Rewarded ) though
he thought they fhould not go to Hell or be pu-
nifhed :, lb. Orat. 40. His opinion therefore tor
delay three years in cafe of fafety confided with
too much apprehenfion of its necefli[y even to In-
fants.
<^ . 54, When I read his language of holy
Cyprian^ I confefs the apparition of fo frightful a
fpirir, doth affright me from his dodrine. Firfiy
The man (, with greater audacioufnefs than the
Papids ufe the Fathers, ) doth tirft attempt againfl:
all confcnt of antiquity, and without any proof ,
to queflion the truth of the fentence of Cyprian
and the Carth.^ge Council to Fidm,
Secondly^ AwA what could he fay more to be-
tray the Pfotvftanr Caufe to the Papifts, than as
after \^ Either Cyprian Z;^.^ been vilely Raffned ^
or that he hirrifdf was a notable Fathr for Anti^
chrifl , and that in him the ryjy fiery of iniquity
did very firongly ^vcrk* 3
The man it feems had never read Jeremy Ste'^
phens hisj^ Edition of Cyprian de unit, EvcL and
how ihofe few words of Peter and the Chare hoi
Rome were added by Corrupters (though he is
wiiling to believe in the general that his writings
were corrupred ) But wc have certain Copies at.
lea ft of fo much of them , as confute his Caufe.
I remember our great Antiquary Bifhop Vfier
told me that it was Tertnllian and Cyprianih^th^
took for the Chief Records of Church Antiquities,
next a few' fm a 11 things which give little informa-
tion of matters of fad. And fome of the things
that
tbat this man fo ftarteth at, Cyprian held , and^s
Epifhnniiis faith , ^11 the Chrtflian Chnrches :
And mud he then be a F^cior for Antichnft ?
Who then is this ^/.£« a Fador for ? Mark, Rea-
der, whether it be any wonder if I be Momina"
hie and Antichrtftian to him, when Cypriii?i and
the fixty fix Bifhops with him muft come under
f hypoiheticaily J that fui'picion. i. That Q//:?-/-
oii who was To holy and wife a man ^ 2. That
lived before Antichrifl: was born • 3. That died a
Martyr for Chriil: •, 4. Who is fo great a part
of the pure antiquity ^ that if youcaft himawav,
v/hat will the reft be for a great time? 5. That
Cyprian who is called by fome the firft Anaba-
ptift, becaufe he\vas for rebaptizing thofe bapti-
zed by Hereticks ; 6. That C)'/?r//j^/ who fo (lifly
oppofed the Bifhop oi Rojre (though himfelf was
in the error ^ ) 7. That Cyprian whom the Do-
natift$ boafted of as their p^edecefTor in rebapti-
zing, and Aitfirn was put to anfwer ( though with
his honour •, ) S.That Cyprian who lived before anv
Chriftian Emperor, when ftrift difciplinc upheld
religion without and againft the Magiftrates
fword •, and who wrote fo many of his Epiftles
only for the rigor of Church-difcipline? O wh.t
pleafure is this to Papifts ? If we be but fuch An-
tirhriftians fay they, as holy ^3?W*?« and ih.^ pri-
mitive Churches were, we wili prefer it beiorc
the Anabaptifts Chrifcianity ?•
5>. 55. And \{C\uriim\V2.^. Antichri/lian, where-
then was the Church of Chrift ? ic will be hard
to anfwer Papift or Seeker about its vilibility, or
lofidtl about its reality : And what a King do
' , T 5 they
(2-]%}
they make Chrifttbat make him to have no King-
dom , that they can prove to have been exi-
gent — «
^. 56. We will cafily gnnt him that Cyprian
de iimt, .EccI, is abufed by the Papifts, and the
very words cbrull in are proved lo to be by ma-
ny Copies that have :hera noi : Yea, Jeremy Ste^
fii'/is Taih that there are eight Copies in Eng-
land which omit twenty three of the Epiftles
which are commonly received ( and it's moft cre-
dible by other Copies are Genuine : J And yet
none of thefe leave out. the Epiftle to Fidi46 about
Infant-baptifm,
^. 57. And whereas he faith that Cyprian ur-
ged not Tradition^ I anfwer, there was no caufe :
For the qutRion- wzs not vpheiker Infants jJw^ld he
baptiz,ed-^ much lefs whether they were to he dedica"
ted in Covetiant to God, and to be (^lourch-menchers ^
but only whether they jlioM he haptiz,ed hefor^
the eighth day: For Fidm thought that at one
two or three days old they were fo unclean as
made them unmeet for baptifm , and that the
eighth day was the ti^me of their puriHcation ;
which Cyprian and the fixty iix Bilhops confu-
ted, and (hewed that Gods mercy accepterfi ihem
from the beginning without refped to legal days.
And what ufe was here for a plea from Traditi^
on for Infant'haptifioi^ v/hich was not denied ?
5^.58. And it feemsto me to be a great evi-
dence that the Tradition of the Church was then
for' it, in that this Council of Bifliops ("before
true Popery was born ) To unanimoully deter-
mine of the day or tims^ and not one of them ,
■> ' '~ ' * '■ m
no nor Pidw himfelf that raifcd the doubt , did
fo much as raife any fcruple or queftion about
Infant-baptifm it felf at aU : which i'ure they
would have done on fuch an occafion if any or
many Chriftians, or any Churches bad denied it.
No wonder therefore if Angnfttn lo lon^ after
fay that no Chnftian t^iks^f^ t^ ^o he in vain ?
t5. 59. Yet again I will confefs, that the words
of Terttillian and Naz.ianz.en , fhew that it was
long before all were agreed of the very timey or
of the necelfny of baptizing Infants before any
ufe cf Reafon , in cafe they were like to live to
maturity : For I am perfwaded that the Apcflles
and firft Minifters were fo taken up with the
Converting of Infidels ( Jews and Gentiles) thar
the cafe of Infant-baptifm was (0 poftponed und
taken but as an Appendix to the baptifm of the
adult, as that it was thought lefs needful to give it a
particular exprefs mention in the Records and Hi-
ftoryofthe Church. The Churches made no que-
ftion of Infants Chinch-n^embcrfjip, as being nn-
doiibtedly in the promife^ and devoted to God hy all
faithful parents : And they took not baptifm at
firH:, for their fir f: Covenanting o^c Confcnt^ but
for the folemniz^ation of it ; and fo not for In^
fants firft real fate of relation to Qjrifi and righr
to life ( which was before itj as it was to be/ic'
vers before baptifm-^ ) but for the folemn invefti'
titre in thofe rights : And fo Greg, Nazjan,
Or,4o. giveth this brief definition of hapcifm ,
that ic is nothing clfc but a Covenant madercith
God for a new and purer kind of life : And here-
upon many who thought Infants Ojurch-members
T4 (\'iz.)
(28o)
Yvifiblej and fafi upon their Parents Covenant^
confent , thought that the time of folemniz^atton
was fo far left to prudence as that ( as the Ifra-
elites did Circumcilion in the wildernefsj it might
be delayed a few years by fuch Parents asdefired
it, till children could fomewhat anfwer for them-
felves.
5^. 60. Yet after my review of this controverfie
upon their urgencie , I find no proof brought by
any of thefe inen , chat ever one Church m the
world was without Infant-members^ (that had In-
fants, ) nor one prfon in the Church againft In-
fant Church-memlferfiip and haftifmy from Chrifts
days till the \Valdenfes f about eleven hundred
or a thoufand years ) except that TertMan^ who
took them for Innocent and therefore Church-
members J did in fome cafe advife the delay ; I fay,
I find not one Chriftian or Heretick againft it :
(unlefs you will impute it to them that were
(^gainji allbaftifm^ which Infidels alio are. ) And
though I verily believe that the Waldenfes were
not againft Irifant-baptifm, nor is there full proof
that any in their time were, yet becaufe I am loth
to judge the Papifts utrerly ijnpudent lyars , I
think it mofl: probable that in the WaLdenfes days
and Country y there was a fort of odious Hereticks,
that denied Infant-baptifm, and the Refurredion,
and held community of Wives and other abomi-
nations reported all together by their oppofers in
thofe times.
,C H A P.
f 28^ )
• CHAP. V.
Mr. DanversV great Calumnie of my [elf refuted.
^. I. TV yfR* ^' P3g« I34« E^- I. faith thus
iVi [ Tet ts not tJlir, Baxter ^fhawed to
fix fftch an MominMe jlander upon i-)e Baptjfis
of thts our age of baptiz^ing naked: ( rJ:tcb it
fcems Vi'os fo Long the real praSitce of the padoba-
ptifls ) and about rvhich he jpends three whole pa-
ges to aggravate the heynoufnef of their ciijiom
(which he ts pleafcd to father on them, ) And
though I am perf waded he cannot but be cenvtn^
ccd that the thing is mofi not or ion fy falfe , a,:d
brought forth by him rather out of prejndice
( not to fay malice) rather than any proof or good
tefiimony he cuer received thereof - yet have I
never heard that he hath done himfelf , his injii^
red neighbours and the abufed world that right as
to own his great weakjiefi and fnfid jhortfiefi
therein^ in any of the many Editions of thatptece^
which J humbly conceive as well defcrved a re-
cantation as fame other things he has judged wor^
thy thereof. ]
^* 2. j4rfw. To live and die impcnicently in fo
unprofitable a fin f and unpleafing to any but dia-
bolical natures) as is the belying of others , is a
very dreadful kind of folly, I would heartily wifh
that },]r.Danvers and I might meet and help to
bring each other to repentance, by a willing im-
partial examination ofeachof our guiltinefles here-
5f. 3, I never look to fpeakto therai thus mor^
nor lung to any man on earth , and in this ftati-
on and with thefe thoughts I muft profefs (not
thinking it lawful to belie rayfelf ) that in the year
1647. ^^ 1648. or both when Anabaptiftry be^
gan fuddenly to be obtruded with more fuccefT-
ful fervency than before, I lived near Mr* Tomhes^
in a Country where fome were, and within the
hearing of their pradice in other parts of the land :.
And that in that beginning the common frame of
Minifters and people was, that in divers places
fime haftiz^ed naksd and fome did not : And that
I never to my beft remembrance heard man or
woman contradid that report till this man did it
in this writing : And that no Ansbaptift contra-
dided it to me that I then or fince converfed with :
And that thereupon in 1659. 1 wrote againft both
fertfy thofe that baptiz^ed nal^d y and thofe that
did not : And after all this when Mr. Towbes an-
fwered my book and thofe very pafTages, he ne-
ver denied the truth of the thing ( though he did
not fo baptize himfelf funlefs he have any where
elfe fince faid any thing of it which I never faw
or heard of. ) And I appeal to impartial rea^fvin,
whether he would not then at the time hnvede.
nied it, had it been deniable: And whether this
man now twenty five or fix years after be fitter to
be believed in a matter of fad, than common con-
fent at the prefenc time? And wheLher it be Uw-
fnl for me to take all forts then livi?jg for lyars,
rather than this one man that hath written us fiich
a book ? and who in a negative 25 years after
can-
C283)
cannot poffibly be a competent witnefs, nonorif
he had written at that tinne : For who can L\y
that there was or is no fuch thing done beyond
his knowledge ?
. 4. But if Mr. D. would perfwade the world
cither that I wrote that of ^// the Anab:'ptifts, or
of mofij or of any in any other age, or that I have
fince faid that a^iy continue the fame pradice^ he
would but deceive men : for it is nothing fo.
<^. 5. I muftconfefs I did not /^^ the-perfonsba^
ftiz^cd naked^ nor do I take it to be lawful to de-
fame any upon doubtful reports : But when it is a
fame common and not denied by th em f elves cither
Mmifters or fcofle at the time^ I think it is to
be taken fo much notice of, as the confuting of
the evil doth require.
j, 6. I know not by fight that there is ever a
Fornicator, Adulterer, Murderer or Thief ( as I
remember) in England: And yet if I neither
Write nor Preach to call fuch to repentance, left
I be a Slanderer in faying that there are any fuch,
I think it would be foolifli uncharitable Charity,
and unrighteous juftice.
55.7. Moft Scds do in their height and heat at:
firft do that which afterward they furceafe with
Ihame : The Donatift Circumcellians continued.
not felf- murder ; the Anabaptifls held not on to
do as they did at Alnnficr, or in the time of D.t-
vid Ceorge : Our Ranters continued not open
fvpcaring and whoredom long; The fame of Eyi-
gland which I never heard gainfaycd is that the
Quakers at firfl did ^hnke and vomtt and infed:
others ftrangely : And is he a lyar that faith it,
becaufe
(284)
becaufe they do not fo now ? I was at Worcefler
my felf when at the Aflizes one of them went na-
ked ( as a Prophet ) before our eyes through the
high ftreet , and they laid they did fo in many
other places: I know not the mans name now,
nor any of the muhitude of Spedators, if after
twenty years and more I were called to prove it.
I know by uncontrolled fame that Miftrefs Snfm
Tier [on folemnly undertook to raife the dead ( ta^
king up a dead Quaker at Claines and command-
ing him ( in vain ) to live. ) But if now after more
than twenty years my witnefiTes were called for, I
muft travel to the place before I could produce
them.
^ . 8. Yea , I never faw any Anabaptift reba-
ptize ( or baptize the aged : ) But fame faith they
do fo and none deny it. If it prove falfe, Ifhall
be glad, and will joyn in vindicating them; And
fo I fay of the prefeRt cafe • And will heartily
joyn with any in reforming backbiting , and rafh
ungrounded defamations of- others.
r 1:^^?.
C H A p. V L
Of Mi\ Danvers'^ frequent Citations ^f my Words*
f. J, TXT" Hen I read Mr. Tombes his twenty
VV Citations of mc as againft myfelf,
which Mr. D, provokeih me to anfwer, and
when I find Mr. D. fo often iniitating them, and
ailed ging my words , as jaftifying his caufe , I
have no convidion on my mind that it is lawful
for me to waft my time and the Readers, abouc
a particular vindication of my words, fo triflingly
and vainly ufed by them.
^, 2 . Either it is the authority of the Writer
which they fuppofe will ferve them, or \\\t force
of the arguments • or clfe it is only to make the
Reader believe that the Writer is fo foolifij as not
to know when he comraditicth himfelf. Th.e/r/?
I may well prefume it is not : If it were^ the fame
p^rfons authority would be as much more againft
them as his judgement is. It it be the fecond^
v;hy do they ulc any arguments of mine , when
they, are able to form fuch of their own as feem
much more ufeful to them than any that I can
give them } And uiiy then do they not infift on-
ly on the Argument and ncgled the Author?
But feeing I muft believe that the laft is their bu-
(inefs, I can have leifure to fay little more thaa
this to them, that it is not my bufinefs to prove
my felf no fool but to prove Infants Cburch-
memki? •, nor will it make me fraart if all of
their
(2^6) '
their mind in England fo judge of me • But yet
I am not fo foolilh but that I know my own mind
better than they do, and can reconcile my words
when ihey cannot* If this facisfie not them , ic
fatisfieth me.
5^. 3 . In fumm, the words of mine which they
alledge againfl my felf need but thefe two things
to be faid for them againft fuch filly cavils :
I. That moll of them fpeak to the Queftion
|[ What is the kjnd of Covenant confent reqnired in
oaftifm f Whether a meer dogmatical faijh- pro^
'fejfed f Or ths frofeffion of a faving faith 'f as '
to the matter beUeved and the fincerity of the he^
lief and confent ? ] And I prove that it is no other
fort of faith, but a true favmg faith as to objeB
and a^ which is required and accepted of God
the fearcher of hearts, as the (Condition of his
Covenant: And that it is not tht Prof ejfion of ^ny
lower fort of faith ( as to ohjeB or all ) but of
this faving faith^ which the Church muft accept
to the admifiion of members t A lower profefli-
on will ferve for none. 2. But I flill maintain
( and I think fully proved ) that God fo far taketh
the child as if he were apart of the Parent C na-
ture and grace having committed him to his will
and difpofal for his good till he have a will to choofe
for himfelf) as that h'^this fort of faith and con-
fent the Parent is to enter his Child into Cove-
nant with God as well as himfelf, and that in
Gods acceptance the Child doth thus truly con-
fent by the believing Parent^ and doth Covenant
with Gody as a child Covenant eth and confent eth
repmatively amor.g men > who by his Parents is
made
(287)
made a Party in a ContraB , as in a leafe for his
life , or the like. Not that in fenfn fhyfico th#
perfon of the Child being the fame with the Pa-
rents doth confent in hts confent •, but that the
Parent having the treble intereft in the Child, of
an Ovpnevy a Governonr and a Lover ^ God by
Nature and Grace conjundly alloweth and requi-
reth the Parent to dedicate the Child to God, and
to confent that he (hall be a member of Chrifl
and his Church according to his capacity , and
by that Covenanting confent to oblige the Child
to live as a Chriflian when he cometh to age :
And this fl^all be as acceptable to the Childs Co-
venant-relation and rights , as if he had done it
himfelf ^ andiia this fenfe may be faid reputatively to
have confented or Covenanted by his Parents ,
which in proper fpeech, is, They did it for him
fit Gods CcmrTiMid.
^ . 4, He that is not fatisfied with this Gene-
ral Anfwer, let him either perufe the words
themfelves in my Writings, with thofe before and
after that explain them , or elfe if he will do as
this man doth , abufe his own underftanding and
his ignorant Readers, by fuch filly wranglings ani-
mated by partiality, let him bear the Confequcnt?,
and know that I have fomewhat elfe to do with
my few remaining hours, than to write books on
fuch infufficient invitations and expedations.
CHAP.
CHAP. VII.
Of Mr. Danvers'i many other accitfations of
me,
^. I. TT was one of the old Charaders of the
X Hereticks in the Apoftles dayes, To
Ipeak^ evil of the things that they underflood
not.
And that may well be thetr Character in
which they contradid the three great confticutive
parts of Ghriftianity, and all Religion, and true
honefty, vitl. T R U T H, H U M J L I T Y and
LOVE, by Falfljoody Trtde and Malignity ^
( called comnionly Vnchantablnefs, )
^.2. The Root of this is, when Reigning, aF4
unfanEiified heart in which thefe vices remain
unmortified , covered from the owners knowledge,
by a form of Godlinefs , and cfpecially a zeal
for the wayes of fome Party, more honoured in
the perfons eyes forwifdom, or piety than others :
In others there is a great meafure of the lame
"ukes mixed with trne Grace , where an evil and
a good caufe are conjoyned as to fome etfeds :
They love God and his Truth, and they hate
all that they think againft him, they would pro-
mote piety in the world, and reprefs what they
think againft it • And being perfons whofe wits
and ft tidies were not fuch, as exa^nefi and large--
mfs 01 knowledge do require , but yet lovers of
knov/ledge , truth , and Scripture , they have
more
more knowledge than prophane fots , but IhtUy
alas , little, in comparifon of that which is ne-
cefTary to a methodical, accurate underftanding of
the matters which frequently fill under contro-
verfie •, And fo knowing but little they know
not what they are ignorant of, nor wha: others
know beyond them ; And it being the common
vice of mans underftanding, to be hafty m judges
tng before they hear or know one half that is
neccHary to a true and faiihful judgement, and
fo to be con^dcnt before they underftand, thefe
men hereby are led to conscience in many
an error : And an erring judgement firil
telleth them that Truth is fallliood, and falfhood
truth, that Good is evil, and evil good, that Du-
ty is fin , and fin is duty ; awd then a good
caufe and a bad, the Love of Truth and a per-
verfe and partial zeal concur , ro put them on
in the way of error. Ignorance and error fee
them on a -wrong canfe^ and a mixt affetlion or z^ealy
partly good and partly evU fpurreth them on.
And in thefe the JError and Herefte and confe-
qucnt fins, arc no more predominant than the
canfe •, and God will have mercy on thofe ihac
in ignorance, with. good meanings, oppofe many
truths, and do much evil.
^» 3. And the great means of nourifhing this
fin in Churches is departing from Chrifts
Church order, who hath appointed Teaching and
Learning to be the fetled way of getting know-
ledge ; And therefore required all hisdifciples to
come to his Church, as little children to School,
with teachable humble minds, to Learn, and not
U with
(29o)
with proud wrangling minds to difputc : If alloiff
children lliould fpend iheir tinae at School in difpu-
ting with the Teacher and fetcing their wits againft
his as in a cohflid, what would they thus Learn ?
5^, 4. Therefore Panl faith, that the fervant
of the Ljrd mufl not ftrive^ and oft calleth men
from ferverfe Mfpnttngs^^ndflriving about words
vphich fahvert the hearers^ and from fuch con-^
tendinis as edijie not but tend to more ungodli-
nefs , ^though the faith may be contended for^
and truth defended , when oppolition maketh it
truly necefTary).
c. 5. When a man feeketh after knowledge
as a Learner^ he meeteth it with a willing wind -^
he cometh towards it with an appetite^ and fo
is a capable receiver : But when a man cometh
as a dtfpHtanty he is ingaged already to one /ide,
and if that be falfe he cometh out to fight ^-
gainfl the truth ^ with ^ fpirit of oppofitton^ ha-
ttng truth as error , and good as evil-, and thinks
It his amy and intereft to deftroy and fhame it
if he can, and therefore is unapt to think what
may hQ faidfor it , bui: ftudycth all that he caa
againfi ir. And is this loathing , and oppofi-
tion and fig!»i:ing againft truth the way to know it ?
<S. 6. Thciefore that which hath undone the
Churches peace* is, that too many Teachers, be^
ing themfelves too forward to comroverfies , have
too haftily drawn in their people into their quar-
rels, and caft fuch bones before them in books
and pulpirs-.inftcad of food, which break their
teeth and fet ibenj together by the ears inftead
of nourifhing than. And fo one mans hearers
are
are taught to difpute for this fort of Govern^
mentj and anothers for that fort ; one mans for
free-will and anothers ^^^/w/? it • when perhaps
neither they nor the maftcr of the quarrel can
telJ you what tt is ? and fo of an hundred more
fuch hke. The honcft hearers when they (hould
be digeiling the ancient Chriftian dodrine, and
learning to increafe in Love to God and man,
and to pradife a holy and a heavenly life, and
prepare for a comfortable death, and happy eter-
nity by a Living faith and hope, are taught that
if they be not zealots for this ofi?non or that ,
for Anabaftiftry , for fefaratiorij &c, if they
pray by a book, or if they joyn wirh thofe that
hold fuch things as they hear called by odious
frightful names , they are not thtnright jLcaloui
ChrtfiiartSy but corrupt or comflyers or lukewarm ;
And thus each Church is made a miferable
Church-militant, and trained up to waragainft each
other.
5^. 7. And this ^inifters have done, partly
to ftrengthen themfelves by the confent and num-
ber of their adherents, as the Captain muft con-
quer by his Souldiers : When they can fetagreac
number on hating their adverfaries , and backbi-
ting them, and telling the hearers wherever they
€ome, to make them fecm odious , how errone-
ous and bad fuch and fuch men are , they think
they have done much of their work ? And while
they think it is for Chrtft , they know not how
notably they pleafe and ferve the Devil. But I
nuift remember that I have fpoken of this eilc*
where, and fodifmifsir.
' U 2 t<. 8-
( 2P2 )
»
<. 8. That Mr. Danvers and his imitatefS
fpe^k^evil (confidently and vehemently ) of the^
things they k^ow mt ( yea very many fuch J I
am fure. But from what principle or root, or
how Far that vice which produceth thefe fruits
is mortified or unmortified as to all others, I am
neither called nor willing to judge. I re-
member huw Mr. Tho. Tierce once dealt with
me : When my Religious neighbour could hard-
ly be perfwaded to communicate with thofe among
them that were of his judgement , faying, they
were men that would fwear and lie , and lived
fcandaloufly , I thought it my duty (to keep
up difcipline and yet) to moderate their cenfures
by telling them what fins I thought might ftand with
fome raeafure of fincere piety, and Church-com-
munion. And what doth he but hence take ad-
vantage to tell the world how loofe my dodrine
was J and what finful perfons I thought had
grace ? 5o now if I ihould fay, that notwithftand-
ing thefe hard-faced faldiodfis^heaped together,
^nd confidently obtruded on the ignorant, even
about publick and vifible matter of fad , yet I
hope the Auihor feareth God truly in other re-
fpeds, and erreih through Ignorance , paffion,
and temerity ; 1 fliould be told publickly ere
long by one or other, that I think the moll bra-
zcn-facid Lyars may be Saints : And if I deny
fuch mens Goodncfs, I look to be told that I am
cenforious and a reviler of godly men that dffFer
irom me. Therefore I am" thankful to Chrift
that he not only e.rct'tfeth us from fo hard a work
as die Judging of the (incerity of others, butcaiis
m
( 2p3 ; *
us ojf^ and faith, v^ho art thou that judge jj: ano^
ther mans fervant ? to his own mafler hefi^inds
or falls : But whoever cenfure me for it_, I will
fay that my judgement ftill inclineth to the hope-
ful and charitable part ! For fiding and error
may draw good men into heinous fins.
<S. 9. That He and I do differ \njndgerrje71t
and Practice, is not to be denyed : I thought
our difference had been but in fo fniall and tole-
rable things ( till I fa:v worfe in his writings )
as (hoijld neither abate Love or forbid Commu-
nion : And thinking fo, I was thelikelier to pra-
d:ife as I thought , and not to hate him and iuch
as he : But I perceive he takes the ditferenccs
to be far greater , and my errors and llns
to be more heinous and intolerable , and there-
fore if he hate me (though I know not thatevei:
he favv me or I him ) it is 710 wonder^ it being
more agreeable to hvs 'judgement •, And alfo
if he would not tolerate me were it m his pow-
er.
c. 10. If he fo greatly differ from me, and
be in the right , certainly it is becaufe he is c?-
ther a great deal wifcr and ?nore knowing in
thefe matters, or becaufe he is 7nore confcicnahk
to avoid perverting temptations, and more Godly
and fit for divine lighr. I deny not either : biU
from the bottom of my heart tell him, that I
am fo desfly co-nfcious of the dark^nefs aiid /;;«f2i-
nefs of my underfiandlng,znd my little goodnets
and very ill defcrts from God, that did he bring
me any confiderable evidence for his caufe, my
great fufpicion of ray felf would prepare nie to
U 5 hcai-
ra94)
hear him : But it muft not be fuch fluff as htt
here obtrudeth on us. And I muft tpll him,
though I acknowledge God to be a free Bene-
fador, and may give the Create ft Knowledge
fo them that have leaft laboured for it -, yet while
diligent fearching is his commanded means , I
fliall doubt whether his eafier and fhorter fearch
hath attained to fomuch more than my harder m^
longer^ til) the fruit thai! prove ir.
^, II. He tells us Ed, 2. p. 170* that l^can-
'' net do my felfmore] right and my ojfended brer
^^ threnj than to clear my felf in thefe particulars
'^^ which are indeed fa heinoiu , not only to every
'' one of his Nonconforming brethren^ hut to mo ft
F' V rot eft ants that hear them* ~\
fiAnfvQ, I. Still fuch untruths ? Do you know
what moft Proteflants think that hear them ? and
every one of my Nonconforming brethren /* Why
fome of the wifcft of them that I know did
read them over , and approved them before
they were printed } Others ( many an^l
many ) of the moilt judicious alfo of my acquain-
tance have fince profefTcd their confent : Nay
piore . I remember not one Minifter that hath
made me know by word or writing to me that
he diffenteth from any one of all thefe heinous
things. I remember that once fome objeded
what they heard others fay fnot as confenting
to the oppofers ) and acquiefced in my anfwers,
©r rather in the words of the book perufed. So
that if every one cf my Nonconforming brethren
he offended^ and Ikjiownnot of one, nor anyone
pf them would ever vouchfafe ^ %yord or line to
con-
convince me, you cenfure them for woful dif-
femblers or uncharitable. But I believe them
ef themfelves rather than you,
^. 12. He addeth, j4nd J dare be boldtofuy^
hath given more ^ general offence , ^nd lofi
Afr» Baxter /nore amongfi bus
Friends *, than any thing he "^ Not fp much as
did tn all hts Ufe.-Ji ^'' '^T^l'!'Tf^
y4nfrv. I. The oitence which .^rinng for Parifh
Chrift dreadfully condemneth, c^nimuniou.
which is fcandalizing the weak
or laying fnares or ftumbling-blocks before them,
to tempt them to think ill of Chrift, or Godli-
nefs , or to commit any fin, I would avoid as
carefully as I can , And to avoid it I have writ-
ten that which ofFendeth you. • Bur the offence
which is but D iff leafing dtjf enters , yea mi ft a-
king men J I little regard on my own accoiinr.
And your talk of my lofs ( or being loft ) doth
favour fo rankly of a humane hypocritical teyyi-
ptation , as maketh me remember what Chrifl:
laid to Peter Math, 16.23. that would have had
him fave hirafelf from fuffering , though I will
not fpeak out fuch unpleafing words to you :
But your tvords favour too much oi the flefh.
O Sir , it is but a few moments more, and you
and I (hall be in a world , where the thoughts
and words of mortals, of us, will be of fmall
importance to us I And themfelves are haftin^
to the day when all their thoughts perifli. O cea.fe
from man whofe breath is in his noftrils : for
wherein is he to be accounted of ? Would you
tempt me to look to the hypocrites reward ? the
U 4 arpro-
(296)
approbation of man ? O miferable reward !
Were not that book odious to you , I would
refer you for my Reafons to the two Chapters
of Man-^leafing and Vride : If Gods approbati-
on feem not enough for us, why call we him
our God ?
But if I have lofi [o much as you intimate, you.
would perfwade me that my fervice is more
than I take it to be ? I have felt little comfort
in any fervice of God which coil roe nothing.
But you fiiall not tempt me to over-value it fa
much ^ I find no lofsatallby it. What have!
loft Sir ? Not one farthing or farthings-worthy
that I am aware of 1 As I lived not on any man
before , fo I am never the poorer for that duty
now. Is it mens ^raife or good thoughts of me ?
Not one friend to my remembrance in the City,
or Land hath once told me his dijfenty much lefs
that I have loft his good efleem : ( Only one
young man that heard me Preach came for fa-
tisfadion about one of the particulars, who was
fatisfled as far as I could perceive , and I wifht
hira bur to read over all in my bookfabout that you
jobjed concerning the Crucifix) and I heard of him
no more.) And if I am fo much loflmth my friends^
and no one of them in Erjgland tell me that he
diffenteth , and veherein^ fpch friends are not fo
valuable as to be any of my felicity ! And do
you call a man [^ lo(i 3 that Idfeth the thoughts or
(the breath of man > As it is their own duty or
fin^ I regard all mens thoughts or words, and fo
would f leafs all men fur their good to edificati-
fn .* But ^s to my ov?n comfort I can . fpanp
yoHrs
youri and theirs]^ and if you and a thoufand fucli
fhould write a Cart-load of Calumnies as you
have done, I think they would break but little
of nfiy fleep. Set thefc arguments next before
hypocrites that Uve on man : I live not oa
them.
But your words do mind me , how men that
are embody ed in little parties, (Tar lefs than the
Donanfts or Kovatians ) are inclined to take
their Cabin for all the Kingdom, and their Sed:
for the Church, and areaffeded with their praife
or difpraife almofl: as if they were all the world.
You hear your folks it feems talk againft me
( with whom backbiting is a duty ) and youfeem
to dream that it is all my frten'df. If God in
Chrifl will be my friend, I can fpare others.
And tell me Sir, for what friz.e or gain do you
think I am lofi vptth all my friends P No man
in his wits will voluntarily be lofi for nothing.
Do you think it is to get other' friends that I
more value ? Who be they ? Is it the Papifts ?
Enquire what I get by them. Is it the Diocefan,
party ? What have I got by them but fitencmg
and the lofs of, all Minifterial maintenance ,
thefe twelve years ? And ask them whofe
writings have more offended them yours or
mine.
\i \ am lofi, it hath tcfl me more years hard
fiiidy to be lofi , and to be erroneotu or a fool^
than it hath done you to be fame body and to be
mfe •, And I tell you I never yet repented of
Cofi or lof for that Truth and duty, which you
bment as W\vvy\i% error and fin. But naked (rut b^
and
isind the faithful endeavours of pleafing God, in
promoting that Love among Chrifts difciples, and
-peace x;a his Churches which ChmchTyrants and
Se5is have fo many ages laboured ( too fuccef-
fully ) to deftroy, are fleeter than to be forfa-
ken either through the ferfecution of one fort
or the Revilings of the other , or the lofs of all
mens friendfhip upon earth.
And yet I will add , that though being long ago
glutted with mens applaufe, 'as finding it a lufciom
hut unwholefome thing, Sindlunng voluntarily caji
up much of it my felfy I yet perceive no wane of
friends, but take your words of them for meer
flanders.
5^. 13. Saith Mr. D. (Pref.ed. i. ; \J' He hath
'^ fo much abounded ( in contradtElions ) ( none
*' more that J^knovp of • ) being as you I find^ fame-
** time a great oppofer , then a great defender of
^[Epifcopacy*'] •
Anfw* I. Yet I know not that ever this man
ikw me C as I faid) or I him/ 2. Thisfalfliood
did unhappily overflip him, my writing being fo
full a confutation of it, that he can have nothing
of fenfe to fay to cloak it. My judgement was
for Epifcopacy 1639. by Reading Biihop Poiv-
name and feme others ; But in 1640. the oath cal-
led Et cetera calling us to fvoear never to confent
to the alteration of the prefent Government by A»
JBl[hops, 'JBiJljopSy DeanSy Archdeacons^ dec, forced
me to ftudy the wholexaufe to the bottom, (ince
which time my judgement of Epifcopacy never
altered ( which is 34 years ago ) having fetled
in the ReceptihiHty of cne fort of Epifcopacy,
ana
and the deftrahlenefs of another, and the diflike
of another fore : All which I have fully pub-
lished in my Difpute of Church- Government
1658. when the BiOiops here were at the iow-
tft. Either this man knew me and my writings
herein, or not. If not, what a man is this that
dare talk thus confidently and faldy of what he
knew not ? If he did,then how much more flagitious
is his pradice, thus to tell the world an untruth
fo notorious to himfelf ? He faith (a^ yon may find)
but never tells you where. Let him tell you w/^fr^
and vchen I ever defended that Epifcopacy which
I hadoppofed ?
^.14. [_ Mr. D, [^^^ Sometime for Noncon^
^^formity ( in whofe tents he hath feemedto fljeU
*' ter himfelf in the flornJ^ and with their IndnU
''^ gence to come forth of his hole) and yet at
*' length fo highly to di [grace the fame,
j4nfw. I , Let him (hew you if he can, where
or when I have changed my judgement about
Conformity , or exprefl a change fince 1640?
Not that I take it for a difgrace to be mutable
by growing wifer : But neceffity forced me fo
Jong ago to ftudy thofe controverfies fo hard, as
fixed me, and I never heard any thing fiiice which
confiderably altered me therein ; Which alfo be-
ing vifible in the forefaid Dtfpnte of Liturgie^
Ceremonies , &c. written 1658. leave no cloak
for this mans calumnies. See there whether I
faid not more for fo 'much of Epifcopacy^ Litur-
gte and Ceremonies which I took to be Uxv^
fiil , than ever I have done fince Bifliops return-
ed ?
* 2. But
2. But what doth he mean by [^Jhelterlng my
felf in a florm in their tents 3-^1 cannot ima«-
gine what , unlcfs fenfe and truth at once for^
iook him ! When a ftorm fell on the Nonconfor--
wifts^ were their tents a hkely place for fhelter ?
Had not the Conformifls] tents been likelier f
Did the Nonconformijts (belter me f Frofti what,
and how?
3 . And what hole was it that I came out of,
with their Indulgence ? Are fuch men as this
the Vindicates of Gods Truth againft the Chri-
llian world , that pour out untruths at fuch a
rate , in defpight of the moft publick notoriety
of fad ? Do I need to tell the Reader ( only
for the fake of youths and forreigners) that when
the Nonconformifis caufe was at the bar, when
fpeaking had any room and hope , they fet me
in their forlorn , and engaged me ( with my
Confcicnce and defire co have prevented that
which I forefaw ) in the tasks of writing and
fieaking which would moft exafperatc and offend
the Bilhops •, till I was I think;the firft among
them that was forbidden to Preach. I continued
after that in London a year, where I never had
place or flock, but was a ftranger ; ficknefs then
forced me to remove into the Countrey. The
Tents I was (bekered in, were Gods protection
in my own habitation •, which if a hole I thought
good enough for me. I Preacht to fuch as would
hear me , till, being near the Church door ,
and the people numerous, Clergie-envy caufed
me to be fent to the common Gaol, among malefa-
dors •, As foon as I was our, another warrant
was
was put into the Officers hands to apprehend
me again, and fend me to Newgate for dx
months • Upon which I removed my dwelling
CO the next Village out of the County : Irc-
fufed none there that defired to hear me, of my
Neighbours. The writings which he revileth,
(hew that I lived not idle ; And I think he could
wifli I had done lefs and fpoken to fewer;
I came not out of that hole of many months af-
ter the Indulgence was granted : I flayed on
reafons of Sel&denyal, becaufel would fore-ftall
no London Minifters , nor hinder their Audito-
ries, and therefore refolved to ftaytill they were
i^tled : I came on terms of far greater Self-^
denyal^ to the great abatement of my health,
( to fay nothing of my greater coft, ) which now;
hath again forced me at prefent to retire.
You fee now at what rate thefe men inform the
world , and how far they are to be believ-
ed.
As for his talk of \_ Difgracing the Noncon^
formiftfJi it's true in two fenfes. i. As he ancf
I difgrace Chriftianity by being fo ignorant and
had : 2. Or if he mean not My ox^n Nonconfor-
mity but his, ( even his Nonconfbrmity to a great
deal of truth and Qoriflian duty and common
honefty C by concatenated falflioods ) , I have
done my part ( when conftrained ) to difgrace
it.
^. 15. \_Sometime a friend to Q^Wm^ and then
A greater to Ai'minius J faith he.
Anfvc, I. Did he tell the Reader where by
9ne (in any words ) I contradid: the other ?
2. Buc
(302')
2. But fee the mifery of a Se^flarian fpirit J
that taketh it for a contradidion to be a friend to
Cdvin and Arminim both ? He would as this
inferrcth , take it ill to be thought a friend to
Ancba^tt^s and Piedobaptifts both, to Indefen^
dents and Frefuyterians and Epifeopal too. But
that is to fuch as I, thegreateft duty, which to him is
a fhameful contradidion : When I think none
Chriftians but Anahaptifis , I will be a friend to
no other as fuch : Men of fo little a Church,
mufi have anfwerably little Love : Cenforioufnefs
is a friend but unto few. 3. But by this your
friendfhip feenneth narrower than I thought it s
I thought it had extended to all the Anabaptifts^
But they are divided into [^Free^vptlUrs} and
(^ Free-gracers ~] as they call them , that is, into
Calvimfts and Arminians : and are you 2l friend
but unto one part of them ? 4. But indeed Sir,
the Controverfies intended by you under thefe
names, are not fuch as a man of my poor mca-
fure can Rk his judgement in very young, and
promife that it fhall never change, northatlcaa
take it for a fhame to grow any wifer in them^
than heretofore, though perhaps your judgement
changed not from your Childhood. And I hope
( if what I have written may be publifhed) to make
it appear that fuch as you that fpeak evil of what,
you underftand not, are the grievous enemies of
the Churches of Chrift, as to Tmthy Holinefsy
and Feace^ by your militant noife about Calvi^
nijmy and aArminianifm^ ftirring up contentions,
and deftroying Love, by making differences feem
greater than they are •, and laying the Churches
Con-
Concord and Communion and mens falvation up-
on fuch queflions, as Whether the houfe jijouldbe
built of Wood or Timber, f And is not thiswor-
ihy of your zeal }
* i^. i6. He adds \_^^ Sometimes a great Defen^
^^ der of the Parliament andtheirCanfe^ and then
^^ none more to renounce them and betraytor them
^^for their fains, ]
Anfw, I. Was there never but One Parlia-
went and One Catife /* Perhaps you mean that
the Parliament Called 1640 and the ^«w?p(^ as cal-
led ) and the Armies Little Parliament, and OH-
very and the Army Council and all the reft of
the Soveraigns were all One Parliament f Or
that to fwear to the firft Parliament, or fight
for them , and to fhut out and imprifon them,
and to difTolve them , as Ufurpers , and to fee
up one chofen by — who knows whom — and
to fct up Oliver and his Son , and to pull him
down again, and to fet up the ^/uwp again, and
to pull them down and fet up a Council of State,
ore. were all one Caufe •, And that one day it was
-Treafon not to be for oneSoveraign,and another day
rot to be againftthat, and for anoihcr. Your Ar-
my did not betraytor them, when they forced cue
one part as Traytors firft , and thruft out the
major part, after imprifoning and reproaching ma-
ny worthy wife and religious men, and when they
pulled down all the reft at laft ? Had you or I
nwre hand in thefe matters ? Whether you know
your felf I know not , but I am fure you know
not me, nor what you talk of.
p. 17. It
C304)
<$. I /• It followeth [Sometimes a great Oppafer
of Tradition , and anon a great defender there^
Anfva. I . If you take Tradition equivocally >
you calumniate but by equivocation ^ but \'i\jhere'
p/J mean [_ the fame Tradition~\ your falfhood
hath not. the cioak of an equivocation. Prove
what you fay by any words of mine > It is be-
tween twenty arid thirty years I think (ince I
largely opened my judgement of Tradition, in the
Preface to the fecond edition of ray book cal-
led the Saints Refi, which I never changed fmce.
If you will" deny that your Father delivered you
the Bible ( or any otherjor that the Church bath
ufed both Bible and "Baftifm from the Apollles
dayes till now. Let the reproach of fuch Tradi-
tion be your glory , if you will 5 It (hall be none
of mine. But do you write a book to prove the
Tradition of Adult Bapcifm from Chrills
time to ours, and when you have done renounce
and fcorn it ? See Reader, how he valueth his
own work ?
<>, 18. \lt2ii^ti\\ ]^^^ Sometimes a 'violent im-
^' pHgner of Popery ^ and yet at laft who hath fpoken
*^ more in favour of it ?~\
jinfw. Here again if by [ Topery J and [^ it J
you mean the fame thing, You hold on the fame
courfe : Prove it true , and take the honour of
once writing a true accufation. I have not hid
my judgement about Popery, having. written about
feven or eight books againft it in above twenty
years time , by which you may fee in comparing
ihem whether I changed my judgement. If you
' cannot/refufe not to blufh. Buc
•' But i was and am a defender , of that \th\di
is Fopery . and Antichrifltanity v/ich you ,
the Church-raembcrfhip., Covenant-incereft and
Baptifm of Infants, and it's like many more par-
cels of the Treafures of Chrifl , which you zea-
loufly rob him off, and give to Antichrift ; As
too many Sedaries do, the greateft partf I doubt
more than nine parrs of ten' ) of hi$ Kingdom or
Church univerfil ; And as Divines ufc to prove
that carnal minds arc enemies and haters of God,
hecaufe they confefs , honour and worfaip him
both in Nams^ and in refpeft of many of his At-
tribures and relations and works , yet in refpcd
of others they are averfe to him - fo I would be
a monitor to you, and fuch like 5e(fl:aries, to tak€
heed of going much lunher, left before you know
what you do , while you honour Chrifls ndir.e ,
and cry up fome of his Grace, and dodrines, you
fhould realty haje^ oppugn and Uafpheme him, and
take Chri^ himfelf iox Antichrift^ and his Chur-
ches and fervanrs for Aritichriftian. If you will take
him for Antichrift that takech Infants into the
vifible Church, I think it wil) prove to be C^r^/^
himfdf.
^. 19. Reader, How tig a volume wouldfl
thou have me write in anfwering fuch fluff as
this ? Tears are fitter than Ink, for fuch fearl.rfs,-
radi, continued, vifible fallTiocds , to be delibe-
rately publifhed to the world as tpjihs, by one
that calleth himfelf a man, and a Chriitian, and
feemeth zealous to nev^ Chriflen moll of the
Chriftian world. Unlefs I fliouid tire ray felf
and thee, I muft ftop, and cc2^k this noyfome
X: ' ' ■ work-.
C505)
work ; Only one charge more which runs through
much of his 'book, I will anfwer , becaufe it
concerneLh the caufe it felf.
p. 20. He oft tells you that when I have cal-
led my book\^Plain ScrtptHre proof jlya there and
after contradid my felf , by (aying that the cow-
troverfie is difficult ] and by faying that in the
fiincient Churches men were left at liberty to Ba-
ptiz.e their children when they vponld,
\ And I. His v^ry words prove that this is no
contradidion : For thefe very words I will make
fUin to a boy of ten years old, and yet the world
niuft know in print that he is not able to under-
fland them , and that this is worthy the conlide-
ration of his profelyces. 2. My meaning I ope-
ned long ago, which he concealeth : The Proofs
of Infants Church-meraberfhip are VUin : the
proof therefore of their right to Biptifm is plain
though not in the fame degree ? but there are 0^-
jdlions Q^ difficulty which may be brought againft
ic, which every weak Ghriftian (nor Minifter
neither ) cannot anfwcr. And the hardefl is thar
which is lictle taken notice of by themfelves, but
i C impartially J opened in vay Chrifiian Dire^io"
ry, ' And is it a conLradidion to fay that a do-
drinc that haih Plain Proof y may be afTauIced
by difficult cb;cclions ? And yet fuch as
a fobtr Chriilian Ihould not be changed by,
unlcfs on the fame reafons he will forfake all
Chriftianity , ^i^ii his everlailing hopes :
For I take the dodriii*^ of the Souls Immortali-
ty to be fuch as may be Plainly f roved : But
truly I take it to be five degrees above t^ie abi-
lity
( 3^7 )
iityof this Writer, to anfwer folidly ali that can
be faid againft it. I take it to be PUmly pro^
liable that the Scfiptute is certainly true : And
yet I take it to be quite above this confident
mans ability well to folve all the diiBculties o'b-
jeded ? were it but thofe poor ones of 'Bene-^
dtdm Sfinofa in his late peftilent Tra^atm The-
olo^tco'PoltticM. I think I have plain prootthat
God is not the Author of fin, and man is not
moved in it and all his aAs as an engine by un-
avoidable neceiVitation ; But I defpair that ten
years Trudy n[iore (hould inable this Writer, clear^
ly to folve the objedions of Hohbes or Camcro
about it. In a word, though wchstve Plain proof
that Chrifi is the Son of Godj I fhould be loth
that the faith of this Nation (liould li^ upon the
fuccefs of a difpute about it, between a crafty
Infidel and this felt-conceited man.
<. 21. And why (hould my impartiality ia
acknowledging the Churches liberty as to the time
of Baptifm, at fird, be fo unkindly received ? I
meant not, nor faid, that Chrtfl hadkk it Indif-
ferent and to their Liberty , but that they left
one another at liberty herein : Becaufe i. The
firfl and great work was in feeling the Chur-
ches by converting Jews and Gentiles to the
faith : And the Adult who were the adivc mem-
bers, were tney that the ApoAles had moft to
do with, f and therefore whofe cafe is exprefiy
fpoken of.)
2. Becaufe it was a known thing that the In-
fants of Church members had ever been Church-
members and were in pofleffion of that Rclaii-
X 2 on
(3o8)
on when Chrlft and his Apoftles fet up B>-
ptifoi.
3. And it was a granted cafe , that all Sand:i-
fied perfons devoted themfelves and all that they
h^d to God ; and every thing according to its
capacity : And therefore their Infants according
to their capacity, which God himfelf had before
expounded.
4. And it was never tlie meaning of Chrift
to lay fo much on the outward wad^iing, as ma-
ny Papifts and j^mbaptifts do : But as the un-
cifcunicifed Infants in the Wildernefs were ne-
verthelefs Church-members and faved ; fo when
Infants were in the Covenant of God by the Pa-
rents true and known confent, their damnation
was not to be feared^ upon their dying unbapti-
zed by furprize,
5. But yet obedience to God being necefTary ,
many Parents baftned their childrens Baptifm,
at two or three dayes old. Others (laid till the
eighth day: others longer.; and multitudes had
children that were in feveral degrees enrred en
the ule of reafon , when the Parents were con-
verted , and it remained doubtful whether they
wtre fas to [he Covenant ) ajtheir Parents choice
01* their own : And to this day there want not
thofe that think that Baptifm was n|^t inftituted
to be the ordinary initiating Sacrament of the
children of Church-members , but only of Pro-
felytes •, And that Chriftians Infants took their
places in the Church of conrfey but Trofelytts
from without only were to be Baptiz,ect, Though
this" be an error, it is probable that thtre were
feme
(3^9)
fome then, as well as now of that opinion. Bu*
nothing more occafioned ( as far as I can find )
the delay of Baptifm, than the fear of the danger
of finning after it , efpecially of apoftafie. All
held that all Cm paft was pardoned in Baptifm.
And Heh»6. and lo. and other texts, and the com-
mon dodrine of the Church made them think it
a very perillous thing to fin wilfully after illu-
mination and the acknowledgement of the truth.
And therefore abundance delayed their own Ba-
ptifm till age, and many were backward to Ba-
ptize their children, Ullchildifh folly and youth-
ful lufts, and worldly temptations, ihould draw-
them to trample upon the blood of the Cove-
nant -, And on fuch accounts, all were not Ba-
ptized at one age. And divers that wei"e Ba-,
ptized at age upon their own converfion from
Heathenifm , were not fuddenly fo l^wvcin^-, as
to be acquainted with all the cafes about their
childrens righcs, but muRhave a confiderabk time
to learn. For ir was ( be ic fpoken without
offence to ftrider men J a General and Nar«
row fort of Knowledge which the Apoftles and
the Primitive Churches required in the adult
as nccefTary to Baptifm , yea when they had at
laft kept them long under Catechizing. For
even in Jl/ii^afiines time, though all u fed the
fa^e words oi Baptifm, fo few had a clear underftand-
ing of the very Baptif.nal form or words , thnc
( \Mn\\ng( nbifitfrn)de haft.contr , Donat , ) hefai-h
that as to the Meaning of ihofc words not only
the Hereticks , jed ipfi carrmles parvnU Ecclcjt£^
fi pojfent pTigult diligent cr inter ro^ari , tot di-
X 3 '-^^'
rjio)
tfiirjit^tes opimomm fortajfu , quot homines mime^
Tarentiir : Animalis enimhomo non fercifit^^cc,
^nmn tamcn ideo non integrum facr amentum ac-
fi'pihnt f
^, 22. There remaineth a Catalogue of my heyr
nous errors which he hath put in the preface to
his firft edition, and in the end of the fecond,
and which he and fuch as he have taught many
Jionefl weak people m London^ both Anahafttfts
and Independents to talk frightfully and odiouf-
iy of from one another behind my back. What
fhould I fay to him and them ? Shall I anfwer
them that never fpeak or write to me ? Shall I
take this mans accufarion for a conlutation or con^
yidion ? Is fo deadly an enemy of Antichrift
conceited of a felf-infallibility , or that I muft
take my faith or truftfromMr.D^;7i;frj,though not
from the Church, Pope, or General Council >
If nor, what did the man think that a recitation
fhould do with me ? Did not I know whal I
had written till he told me ? •
^. 23. Bnt it is others th^t he tells it to [
Thof? others will read 7vy own vpords or, they
jv/7/ not ? If they will, I will not be fo cenfo-
rious of them as to think that they need any
more tp his fruftration : If they will not, muft I
write another b(X)k to tell them what I have
written in the former ? Kow (hall I know shac
they will any more read the laft than the firft >
If Satan hgve fo much power over them, that he
can make them err, and lie andllander and back-
bite as ofc ai a manprofefting zeal for the truth,
will l^e his inftrun|?nt and meifcnger, ft is not
my
my writing more books that can fave them*
The end muft tell them, whether lonheytell
be the grcaier ioiers by it,
^. 24. I have therefore but thefe two wayes now
to take : I. Whereas this man fai.h, that my
do^ru}': fceweth heynons to every one of my Non^
conforming brethren^ and mofi FrotejUntSy and
that I have lofl my felf among my friends^ I do
demand as their duty and. my right , the Means
of my convidion and reducfl on from ihcfe bre-
thren ( if any ) whom he doth not belie : I pro-
fefs my felf ready privately or publickly to
give them an account of the reafons of all
ray dodrine, and thankfully to retrad whate-
ver they ihall manifefl to be an error. And I
challenge any of them to prove that ever I re-
fufed to be accountable to them, or denyed a fo-
ber anfwcr to their reafons^ or refufcd to learn
of any that would teach me, or to i udy as hard
to know as they ?, or that ever partiilicy, fadi-
on or worldly inicreft, bribed me to deal falOy
with my confcience, and betray the truth. And
if after this claim , they will be filent, I will
rake them for confentcrs , or if by backbiting on-
ly any will ftill notifie their difTent, I will take
them forfuch as I take this writer, and infoii e
rcfpcd worfe though not in all.
<S. 25. 1 1. My fecond remedy is, I will go wil-
lingly to School to Mr. X>. and having laid fo
much for the Learnings againft ihe D/fparmg way,
1 will become his hearer and reader, if he hav e
any thing co teach me, that favourcih ^'i Truth
X 4 and
and Mode fly morje than this noy^oxnc fardel
dotl\ which he hath publiflied. And to that en4
I will here give him a Catalogue of the contra-
ry opinions to mine, which I defire him folidly to
prove. lihthoXdviOl iht contrary doUrines^ why
doth he exclaim zgSLinG: wine, as heynomf If he
do hold the contrary to what I have mth due and
clear diftindion and explication opened, (and bis
Readers after the perufing of all my own words
together be of his mind J I then take thefe follow-
ing to be their own opinions, and part of their
Eeligion, which I delire them to make good, and
reacijthem ra? by fufficient propf.
CHAP.
(3^3)
CHAP. VIII.
'j4 Catalogue of fame Dotirtnes of MrJ}mv€ts and
the refi that with him accnfe my Chriftian Di—
redory , if indeed thty hold the contrary to
mine which they acciife ( as prnft be fuppofed
by their accnjation) which as a LearnAr I tntrcat
any of themfolidly to frovc*
OF the Queftion 49. p. S26» as cited by him
(The lalihood of his inferring [] in aPoptfi?
Countrey in their way of Baptizing J in that cited
place which fpake only of thz Lutherans^ 1 pals
by as weary of anfwering (uch : Bur
I, That it is a fin for any man ( [ufpoftng In-*
fant Baptijr/i a duty) to offer his child to he Ba'
j>tiz,ed where it will be done with the fign of the
Crofsy or fuch ceremonies as the Lutherans nfe^
though he profefs his own diffent and diffallow^
ance of thofe ceremonies , and though he camwt
lawfully have it done better ^ but mafi have that
$r no Baptifm at all f
IT. That in the ancient Churches of the fe-
condy thirdy and fourth ages^ it had been better
to be U7ihaptiz^cd than to life a white Garment tn
Baptifm as they did , or to be anoi7itcd as then,
cr to tafie Milk and Honey ^ though the Perfoft
offering his child to fuch Baptifry had frofeffed
his diffent as afonfaid f
III. That
III. That ad the Churches of Qsrifl in thofe
fecond, thirdy and foHrth^ and follomng dgesy
vpha were Baptiz,ed thm ( Infant or adult ^ ) had
710 Baptifm but what was worfe than none :
( Though Church hiflory certifie U6 that this ufe
woi fo univerfal , that it*s Joard to find any one
Chrifiian in aH thofe or many after ages that
ever was. againfi the lawfulnefs of ity or refufed
it. )
( By the way, it w.as but one of ^ your tricks
which you know not how to for-
» p. 572. ed 2y bear, ^ to foift in [_ Peril of
Law 3 when I had not fuch a
word or fenfe as Fertl : As if you knew 0? no Obli-
gation there but from PeriU }
IV» Tour fag. 375. ed. 2. \^ That anointings
fifing the white Carment , Milk, and Honey ^
were Blajphemow rites^ and Popifh before Popery
was^ exifient ? or if otherwife , that All Chrtfis
Church was Pofifh then ?
V. Your Pref.tdi. i. [ That Chrifis Mlniflers
rightly ordained and dedicated to God in that fa^
cred office^ are not fo much as Relatively holy
asfefarated to God therein ?
V I. That Temples , and Church VtenftU de^
voted and lawfully feparated by mm to holyufeSy
either are not jujily Related to God asfafepa-
ratedy or though fo feparated and Related are r»
fio degree to be called Holy i
V I T. Your
VII. Tour Tref, i6. ^That no Reverence u
flue to zJ^tnifiers and Church menjlls ?^
VIII. Ibid, ^ To be uncovered in the (^hurch^
and ufereverejjt carriage and ge ft ures there ^ doth
not at all tend to freferve due reverence to Cod
and his worjliip ?
I X. Ibid, [] That the unjufl alienation of Tem-^
flesy Vtenftify lands , dayeSy vphich were fejara-
ted by Cjod himfelf^ is no facri ledge : no not to
have turned the Temple of old, and the facred
things to a common ufe u^ijuftly : nor the Lords
d^y now. fBut thou that abhorred Idols, doft
thou more than commit Sacriledge ? Even teach
men fo to do, and fay It is no Sacriledge ? no
not when God himfelf is the fe par at er and man
the unjufi aliemter f And yet is Infant-feuptifni
. X. Ibid, [That its no facri ledge unjuftly to
alienate things juflly con fe crated and feparated
to God by man (as (iJ^imfterSy Lands , Vtenftls^
SkC, ) ( Remember Ananias ^»(s/ Saphira* )
X I. Ibid. [ That it is a fin to call a t^inifter
a Priefl^ though it be done in no ill defign^ nor
with any fcandal or temptation to error ^ and
though he that uftth the word profefs that he
cloth it but as a trar? flat ion of the Greeks word
[ Fresbyter ^ ^^^ ^^ God himjelf doth Rev.
}• 6. and 5. 10. and 20. 6, and i Pet. 2.
5-
5' 9* ( QH^ft'^on* Whether it is finfully ufcd in
Scripture?^
X 11. Ih, \^ Accordingly it is fin to ufe the
word [ Altar J for [] Table J or the word [ Sa-
crifice 3 for [ worfhip ] (as thanksgiving &c )
though with all the fore [aid camiom^ and thoftgh
God fo ufe them intheScriftnre^ i Pet. 2.5. Hcb*
13. 15,16. Phil. 4. 18. Eph. 5. 2, Rom. 12. i,
Heb. 13. 10. Rev. 6. p.and 8. 3> 5. and 16. 7.
And that all tioe ancient writers and Chnrches
finned that fo ^ake ? j
XI IT. That no fiber Chrifiians flmtld allow
each other the Liberty of fttch phrafes without
cenforioptfnefs or breach of Charity and peace^
lhtd,pref.
X I V. Ibid. [^ It if a fin to fit a Rail about
the Communion Table though it be not done ta any
jU defign nor with fcandal , but only to keep dogs
from pijfing or dunging at it ^ and boy es from abu-^
fing tt.
XV. That in fuch cafe, yea though fcandal be
removed by the puhlick, profeffion of the Churchy
it is a fin to cor/ie to fuch a railed table to com-
municate ; e'^en when nofinful difiancc between the
Clergie and Laity is im ended,
XVI. Ibid, \_ Chrifiians ought to cenfure and
condemn each other , if one come to fuch a Table ^
or Receive hieeUngff uppo fing tt a lawful thin g.'^
XVII.
C3I7)
;-• X Y\ t Ilfiii* t '^'^^ ^^ ^ aftttd kee'j) a thanl^
ful remembrance of Gods mercy to his Churchy
by an anniverfary day of folemnity , in giving
them any j4pofile, Martyr -^ or extraordinary in^
ftrtifnem of his blcffrng^a^ fome k^ep their birthdays^
or wedding-dayeSjor dayes of fome great deliverance,
and England the fifth of November ^ Though it
be not terminated in the honour of a Saint, bat.
of Cjody nor made equal to the Lords day, nor
kept otherwife than Iptritually andfiouflyf
XVIII. Ibid. [_Thatforaman thatis againfi
commanding the jSfiinence of Lent, and againjl
obeying [uch commands as an Imitation ofChrifi's
forty dayes fafling y and in all cafes of injury
to our fouls y bodies^ or others •
yet to fay that he is not a- Read Rom. 14. and
ble to prove it a Jin to obey judge.
by meer abftinence, vchenthe
Magiftrate peremptorily commandeth it , meerly
in Commemoration, and not Imitation of Chrifi'i
fafi: y is a fm in him that faith it^, though it be
true : zy^nd confequently though it x^ould do no
harm to my felf or others , / ought rather ta
die than to forbear fiejh in lint, if the King com-
mand it ^
XIX. Ibid. IThat Church Mufick^(and con-
fcqitently fnging which is the prime Mufck,)
^ no help to any man in the fervice of
Cod?
XX.
X X. Ih* {That though he find it a hilfy it is
fin for any man to nfe it ^
XXI. That either Chrifl did not joyn vcith the
Jews in rvorjhif which had Mnfick^ ( in the Tem-
ple ) or elf e he finned info doing f
XXIL That the experience of prejudiced fe If-
conceited men, ' that klfow not what melody is^
mnfl be fet againfi the experience of others fo
far as to deprive them of all fuch helps and mer>*
cieSy as the other find no benefit by , (^As finging
is novpcafi out of many Churches*)
XXIII. That it is no wrong to Ignorant
Chrifiians to put fnch whimfies and fcruples into
their heads f
XXIV. lb. {It is a fin toFow Chaflity for
any man in the world^ though' it be with this ex-
ceptioH or condition^ { Unlcfs any thing (ball
fall out which fiiall make ic a (in to me not to
marry]. And though under the mofi; extraor-
dinary necefftties of avoiding marriage , he find
fuch confirmation of his Refolutions need-
ful t
X X V. IbJ[That it is in no Cafe lawful toks^f ^
Vow of Chaflity^ at leafi among the Papifis ? And
confequently whereas Chrift faith ^ He that can'
keep this faying^ Let him. It is every mans du-
ty t9 breaks Chaftity that hath once vowed it ,
though
though it were no duty , hut a fin before, fur
dohbtUfs ^yUarrtage is a fin accident ally to fitmt^
thoHgh not in its ovpn nature , and far from be^
ing a duty to all ? But according to thin doctrine ^
if a man vp ere eighty years oldy and utterly iwpo^
tenty and unable to breaks his <vow of Chaftity
if he would, he is bound to do it , rvhtch he can-
not do^ and to breaks his vow when he cann§t
breaks it ? or if an old mans marriage that hath
no neceffuy, would undo him f If and his (former)
children ^ he is. bound to marry ^ if he have but
once vowed that he wtll not ^ or at leaft he
way do tt? (For which of the contraries you
chufe [] May or Muft^-^ *^^ uncertain* )
XXVI. lb* [That either it was a fin to fut
TiUures in the Geneva Biblesy and^ fin to have
cur Dutch Chimney bricks which contain aU the
hiftory of the Gofpely or any other Image of Chrifi
crucified wherever ^ or once tofeefuch a Figure ;
or elfe it is a fin to have any holy ajfeEtienftirrd
ftp in our hearts by feeing it : fo that though a&
things are fan6lified and pure to the pure^ and I
may excite holy ajfe^ions when J fee hut a worm
or flower^ or any creature , or a houfe^ or any
work, of many yea when I fee the fins of thewick^^
4d , 1 may fxir up thankfulncfs for grace ^
yet if I fie in a (^nimney piece ^ or a Geneva Bi-
ble, or elfe -where y the Imnge of Chrifi crucified^
it is a fin to excite holy affections thereupon ^ Th^ftgh
the tv.enty one Cafts which I haze named oi un^
Uvrfnl to ufe an Image in^ be every one obferved
( 04 the Cafes of danger-^ fcavdaland aUtiy refl.)
XXVIL
(32o)
XXVII. The image of Chriji Crucified ifj ihi
Imagination or mind of a Believer is a pni
Therefore it is a fin to thinly of a CrucifiedChrifty
or to know Chrtfi crucified^ or to love Chrifl cru-
cified as fuch :■ for it is impojfible to think, on
birrif kj^ow him or love' him as cr^cified^ witho/ft
the Image, of him on the mind : Therefore Paul
determined to do nothingbnt fn, when he deter-
mined to know nothing but Chrift and him crucified :
(and inflead of anathematiz^ing 'them that love
him not , he jhoitld have anathematiz.ed or repro-
ved all thut love him as crucified.
Do you and your Companions know that yoii
are renouncing your Bapcifm, and Chriflianity,
and the Crofs of Chrift, while you would reba-
prize us all ? I charge it not on you as your
meaning -. But \^ it be not the downright. ton fe-
quence of tlie words of all my Religious backbi-
ters, who fay that the Image of Chrift crucified
heiitteth, not our minds or imaginations , but is a:
fin there , I have loft all my reafoning faculty ,
and know not what Man or Reafon is.
XXVIII. Ibid. &Ed.2. p. 372. IThatthe
Ordination and tJ^iniflerial Office received by
Any that live in Communion with the £hurch of
Rome, and confequeiitly ail their baptiz^ings and
other miniflrations arc not only lins ^i^f nullities :
(Though they were fuch as Bernard, Malachie,
Patrick, Gerfon , Ferus , Kempis , Gerard Zut-
phanienfis, ^r. ) And fo none of the Engbflj Na-
tion had true buftifm from their firfi Converfl-
on
m by Auguftlne till the Reformation , but all di-^
td unbapttz^ed and jljonld have been baptized
again : And fo Jlwnld all baptized by them m any
Kingdoms of Europe or the World: and fo Luther,
Zuinglius, Martyr, Mufculus, and the refl of onr
frfl Reformers^ were never Chrtfinedy but all dyed
unbaptiz,ed perfons , and flwnld have been bapti"^
z,ed after their converfion,
XXIX. lb. That it were better have all Eu-
rope unbaptiz^ed ( Infants and adult) than fnch
Ai Bernard, Ferus , CafTander , ^c* JIjohU ba^
j>tiz,e theWy thoUgh thsy had leave to protefl again j^
all that is (infid in it^ and were put Ptpon no fiH'
fnl promifesj profeffions^ or aUs t hem fe Ives.
X X X# lb. That it is a fin for thofe in any
£oHntry that can have no other ^ to confent that a
Paptfi Priefi do teach a Child to Speak^ or to Ready
or to Writej or teach him Adufick^^ Arithmetich^^
Geometry, Latine, (jreel^ or Hebrew j Logich^^ or
Grammar , or any Arty though but fuch as LaboH-
rers get their daily bread by.
XXXI. lb. That it is a fm for thofe j« Italy,
or any Kingdom that can have no other ^ to let a
Popijh Priefi teach their Children the Creed,
Lords prayer and Ten-Commandments which all
Chrifiians are agreed in: but it's better that they
never learned a word of the Bible , or Ch, ■f.an"
faithy than learn it of fuch a Priefi : fo finfuUy
did Bifljop Ufher make the motion to the Prtefis
in Ireland, that Protefiants and thy might joyn
Y in
(322)
in teaching the barbarous people the Creed and
common principles of Religion,
XXXI I. lb. That it is a fin to hear a Po^
fijh Frtefi read Gods word or any good book 9
though it were a Protefiants, or one of the Anci-
ent fathers : or to hear him Jpeak^ the trnefi Do-
Urine ^ though in a Country where it can no other
vcay be heard or learned*
XXXIII. lb. That in fuch a Country nhere ;
there is no other ^ it is a fin to joyn with one of
them in any Vrayer how good [oever ^ though cra^
ving a bleffwg on our meat^ or in a Family j or
elfe where - even in the Lords Vrayer •
XXXIV. lb. That it is necejfary to Salva-
tion to believe that the Pope is Antichrifl^ and fo
no man , woman^ or child can be faved that belie-
Veth it not. And fo fince Antichrifl arofe , we
have a new Article iti our Creed: Even for thofe
that know not what the Pope isy whether male or
female J flefh or fijlu
XXXV. lb. That it if a fin to read any good
hook, in the Church befides the Scripture^any Chapter
in the Apocrypha^ any Homily or Sermon j though
Written by an Anabaptijl^ and though we declare
what it is y and mention it for no other end but
'H^hat it is written for^ as We cite Authors as wit-
fieffes : ( And yet ir is lawful for Mr. X>, to pubf-
lifn many ( falily ) in Print. )
XXXVL
XX XVI. lb. That it isafmtoreadaTrayer
in the Church , thongh it were the Fraycr of Chriji
John 17. or of Mofes or others in the Pfalmes^ or
any others.
X X X V I L lb. That if one fray zJ^r, Dan-
vers to fray for him, it Is Idolatry ^ or if the fco-
fie or ftck^ fray the Mtnijler to fray for them ,
or Children their Parents •, or if one floould do fa
hy an Angel that jhonld appear to him • or to a
Saint or Angel itnfeen, imagining that he were
frefent ^ this is not only Suferfiitton andfo ftnfnl^
but alfo Idolatry ; which ps giving Gods frofer
tvorjhif to a creature : And confccjuently it is the
frofer ivorfhtp of God only , to fray him to fray
for Hi to htwfclf,
XXXVIII. lb. That it is a fm to how the
kjiee at the naming of JefHS-, though we renounce
all in it that is fuperfiitiom and Jcandala/is^ and
how equally at the name of God, Jehovah,
ChriR, &€.
X X X I X» lb. That it is a fmto fiand when
the Gofpel vs read^ though we be never fo weary of
fittings and fl and equally at the reading of all the
refi of the Serif ture^ or at Sermon without difiin^
iiion •, fo heynonjly did the Vniverfal Church fin
for mayiy hundred years in their long fiandt?rgs ;
and fo finful a thing it is to hear in a Churih
or Afeeting'flace that hath no feat s^ nnlej^ we ft
9n the ground,
Y 2 XL.
X L. tb. That it is a fin to kneel rphile the
Ten-Qommandments are ready though it he by wo-
men irhofe ciifiom that fofinre is ( Hpon a bof )
throHoh the reft of the dales exercife ; and though
it be never fo epenly declared that we take thent
not for a prayer y nor do it to any ill fignificati-^
on or intent.
X L I. lib. That he finneth who doth not con-
demn the Univerfal Church of Chrift for many
hundred years ( of the greatefl antiquity that we
have any records of fince the Apoftles ) for their
worshipping with their faces towards the E^ift ;
Thgugh he jljould himfelf dtfltke that praBice and
never ufe tt^ nor co-nfent to have it ufed.
X LI I. lb. That tt is a fin to fay , that any
children of any wicked men in the world^ have any
gti It of any of their nearer Parents finsj b-ut on-
ty of Adams : ( And confequently it muji beheld
that God unjujhly threatned andpunijJjed any fuch
children for their Parents fin , from the dates of
Cain, Cham, Pharaoh , Ifhmael y Efau, Achan,
Gche^i, till the dales of that Generation threat-
ned Mattb. 23. And alfo that no man receiveth
<t''iy pravity from Adam neither , bccaufe it mufl
pafs ta him through his next Parents and bt
theirs^ and he receiveth none that is theirs : And
fo all Nations are juftified againfi all guilt of any
Parents fa but Adam, and warranted to deny to
vonfefs any fuch guilt , or to be beholden to
Chnfi or mercy for the pardon of it.y ib)ugh
Da-
f 3m;
David , Daniel and Nehcmiah did otherv^ife^)
I fay again, cither Mr. X). and his like do re-
aliy hold the contraries of the a/Tertions ot mine
which he thus notifieth as heynous errors, or not -.
If not , he raileth againft his Confcience in hy-
pqcrifie ; If yea, then chefe propoficions which I
have named to you are the contraries to mine.
And it is fo curfed a thing to add two and four-
ty New Commandments to the Law of God ,
that I who think them to be no better, do again
and again defire him , to give me the full procf
of aU thefe ftrangc Commandments, and teli mc
where they are written ( if I have overlookc
them. )
If this cannot be obtained, I call to his imita-
tors and my backbiters to let me know, whether
really they will own all thefe, and give me leave
to tell the World, and the Ages to ccme, thac
thefe were their Dodrines, for the love of which
they whifpered or clamoured againft me.
But here he ftops and pittiech the Reader, and
referreth them to my Book it felf ; And I wilJ
joyn with him and add, that the Reader that will
think that he knoweth what I hold or wrote, by
this and fuch like mens citations or reports , anil
will not read the Book it felf, and all in it to-
gether that concerneth the qusflioned iubjed^ be-
fore he judge ^ I take not my felf bound to write
more books to tell him what I wrote in the for-
mer, nor do I think that I am otherwife obliged
to redifie his Error , than by Prayer or Coun-
fel, endeavouring to bring him to fomecenderncfs
of Confcience , fear of God anj fobrieiy of
luind. Y 3 Bl.c
But his ftrength lieth in frightful exclamations,
\^ O vpas ever the like yet heardy &:c. to palliate
(abominations^ and reconcile m to IdoUtrom Poftfj
names^ as Altar^ Frieflsy Sacrifices^ &c. and their
ha^tifm,~\ And yet he might have known that
all rhefe words are oft ufed by the ancicntcr lore
of the holy Paftors of the Churches after the
Apoftles , and I remember not that ever one
Chriftian was againft it , or fcrcpled the ufe of
them : And^ I before fhewed that they are ufed
by the Holy-Ghoft in Scripture, whom I dare not
accufe of IdoUtrom names , or reconciling us to
them. Whether all the Papifts baptifm admini-
ilred and received be nullities, and all Papifts to be
4:ebaptized,and all Proteftanrs that were baptized by
Papifts? are queftions which I will not be fo vain
as todifpute with one that talketh at this mans rate.
But yet we have not done with the high char-
ges of his Preface : He faith '' [^ Oh ! were not
*' thofe twenty Qaeries^ fo much again fi the [elf-
''^ evidencing authority of the Scriptures j in his
^' Admon. p. 142. in favour of Tradition a heyr
*' ncHS provocation.) to fay no TKore of them f ~\
zAnfvc, It feems they were fo to you. But re-
ally , did you read that book and the other to
Mi^« BagjJmWy and yet not fear to follow him and
out-do him in notorious untruths, after fo full a
convidion and warning as was given him ? Think
on it, and again cry out ( But alas! whereto will
not men run left to themfelves -^l there profef-
(-'d and proved to yoiir friend Mr. Bagjhaw that
I was for , and wrote for the fclf-evidencing au-
thority of the Scripture^, and it is untrue that thofe
twenty
(32?;
twenty Queries or any one of them is againft k*
But feeing you think oihcrwife , if indeed you
held the contrary to the afTertions implied in thofe
twenty. Queries, I am not at the end ot the Ca-
talogue of your ftrange Dodrines : If you and
my revilers own them, fo wilJ not fober men : e. g.
X L I I I. [ Every Chnfltan wufi fee the Co-
fits of the Scripture written hy the Prophets and
jipoflles own hands : Or at leafl mnji nnderflund
theTranfcriptsmthe Original tongues, \
X L I V. \_ God hath promifcd unerring infal^
lihility to alt Scribes m the world that write out
the Bible ^ and all Printers that print it : Or at leafh
to fome of them^ And we may be certain who thofe
are, 2
X L V. [^ Though the feveral Copies have a
multitude of differences^ it is certain none of thcifi
are erroneous^ or miftaken,^
X L V !• [^ Thfffe men and women that under*
fiand not Hebrew or Greek may be certain only
hy feeing a Hebrew and Greeks Bible^ without a-
Tranflatort^elp , that every word in it is the
Vpord of God. 2
X L V 1 1. {_ Either he that will be fure which
Copy is without mi f- writings mu(i- firfi fee all the
Copies tn the world theit differ ♦, or elje if
he never fee hut one ( or few ) he may he cer-
tain that it IS right tn the words in which :t
Y 4 diffentb
djffereth from all the reft vphtch he never faw» 2
X L V 1 1 1. \_ No corrupt or mif-wrltten (/}py
ef the Serif tnre c^.n come to a true Believer^
hands : Or if it do^ he can infallibly tell us the £r-
rata,'^ i •
X L I X. A true Believer that ne<ver faw the
Originals can hy feeing a tranfiatipn judge of all
the diverfe readings in the Originals*
L. The Tranflators are either all infallible in
iranfiattng -, or elfe a true "Believer is certain
Vphich of them is , and which not , and vphich
tranflation among many faulty ones is fault lefs.
L I. He that never favQ all Tranflations , but
perhaps but one , can by that one tell that it is
truer than all the differing ones, which he never
Jaw.
LI I. cx^// this of Copies and Tranflations is
known to Believers either by Prophetical Revela^'
tton from Heaven , or by the fe If -evidencing de-^
fiionftration of the Copy and Tranflation which he
feetk *
L 1 1 1. \^Every true Believer without being ever
told it by man^ can tell by the fe If ^ evidencing de^
monflration of the words , that the Canticles and
the Books of Judges , Ruth , Chronicles, Jonah,
are (^amnical^ and that the wtfdom of Solomon, .
Baruck, Pauls Epiftle to the, Laodiccans, Cla-
mens
pens to the Corinthians , ^c. are not Cdnofti-
fM ,
L I V. Either Ged will giiie faith to no one
that cannot read ( among all the illiterate King-
doms of the rvorld where the Gojpel is to he preach-
fdj ) or elfe all that cannot ready may without ever
reading a word he certain hy fe If -evidence which
readings in the differing Copies^ and which Tran-
Rations are true or falje^ and which books and
verfes and fentences arc Canonical and which
, not^
L V. Either Cod hath promifed that every illi-
terate Chrtftian ( that cannot read ) Jhall hear
fame one elfe read every word of the Bible to him
( in Originals and Tranflations^ or one ) that he
may judge j or elfe by the felf-evidence that per-
fon that cannot read^nor never heard half the Bible
read^ can certainly teU what words are truly or
falfly written^ or TranJIatedy without ever hear"
ing them.
L V I. when the greatefls Learned Linguifls dif-
fer about a Legion ^ or Tr an flat ion ^ ( as the
Septuagmt, Sec. ) ( fuch as Lud. Capellus, Ufher,
Buxcorf, Bootius, De Dieu, L' Empereur, Wal-
ton, crc. ) or when fuch oa Luther, Ahhamer, ^c.
differ about a Canonical Bookj, ( as James ) it is he^
caufe they fee not that felf-evidence^ which every
Chriflian may fee^ that cannot read nor was ever
told tt , that one part^ ( // not more ) do herein
erry while their judgcniencs are contrary.
None
. None of thefe fifty fix are Articles of my Faith,
nor Gods CommaHdments ( that I can find. ) I
fay not that thefe ignorant Revilers hold all thefe ^
but I fay that He ( and They) that will openly ex-
claim againft the contrary affertions as heynom ^r-
rorsj or tell about among the receivers of falfc.
reports y that I hold dangerous ^rre^r/ for faying the
contrary to thefe, doth either perfwade men that
all thefe are his Opinions^ or elfe that he is an
impudent Hypocrite , in reviling known truth as.
heynous error ; or elfe a rajh Calumniator that
dare reproach or fpeak evil ofthat which he un»
derftandeth not , nor will not , fo much as by
reading my plain words , be at the labour to un-
derftand.
Perhaps fome better minded perfon will fay. It
eafteth foor Chrifiians into ferplextty to hearfuch
doubts about the Scripture readings and tranfiati-
onsy were they not better concealed f Anfw, They
are not to be talkt of unfeafonably to uncapable
perfons : They are not to be told the ignorant in-
ftead of a Catechifra : But they are all publick-
ly known to the learned world long ago , and
lold the ignorant people by the Papifts to ill
ends : And if any one will perfwade you to hold
the contrary , and make you believe that all or
any of thefe abfurdicies and falflioods are the
true Proteftant Religion, or any part of it, and
that they that hold the contrary are Popifh , it is
time to vindicate the Proteftant Religion and all
(ober godly Proteftants , from the fcorn of fuch
imputed dotages.
But
(33^)
But this is the unhappy fruit of overdoing:
There are fome men artiong us, fo overmfe and
overrighteoHs in defending the fufficiency of the
Scriptures, that they would perfwade us , that it
is fujjicient to exfound it felt without a teaching
Expoficor, and to preach it felf without a Preacher,
and ( by confequence from their generals } to
Write and Print it felf without a Writer or
^Printer, and to bring it felf down from the Apo-
ftles to every man without the hand or tongue
of man , and to preserve it felf from corruption
without the care of man, and to tranflate it felf
without a Tranflator ♦, And that all Priared Ser-
mons , or books of Diviniiy, all Catechifms , all
Sermon notes for memory, all forms of Prayer ,
yea the dividing the Bible into Chapters and Ver-
fes, and Printing Contents, and Citations or Re.
ferences ( much more the Geneva Notes and Pi-
d:ures ) are all (inful additions to the Word of
God. As if the [efficiency of the Statutes of the
Land lay in Keeping , Printing , Tranfcribing ,
Pleading and Expounding themfelves, without the
ufe of Scribes , Clerks , Lawyers, Law-books or
Judges.
I am well afiured that God needeth not oar
Lies to his Glory, and that truth and falfhood do
fo ill agree , that though falfhood may fteal a
cloak from truth, yet truth will never be behol-
den to falfhood for friendfhip and defence ^ And
if ever Lies pretend any kindnefs or fervice to the
truth, it is but treacheroully to fupplant it , and
will turn to its difTervice and injury at laft.
In
f 330
In a word. All the Devils in Hell, and all the
Confiftory at Rome^ could not ealily find out a
more effedual way ( as far as I can underftand )
to turn multitudes to Popery , than i. By calling
triith and fober Principles Antichriftian, Popery
and Idolatrous : 2, And by defcribing the Religi-
on of the enemies of Popery, as made up of Lies
and Dotages: 3. And by falling all together by
the ears, and breaking into a multitude of Seds,
and condemning each other as unmeet to be com-
r^unicatcd with ; and fo making men believe that
they niuft be Papiftsor diftrafted Dotards, whofe
felf-conceitednefs in Religion hath made thera
pad : I fay , nothing that I know of doth tend
more to multiply Papifts, than this ^ ( unlefs I
may except the way of fenfuality and violence ,
rnur4ering fome and drawing others byfleflilyand
worldly motives :) Nor do I know any thing in
the world, that more quieteth the Consciences of
Perfecutors and Scorners , in all that they do and
fay againft us, and hindreth them more from all
convidion and repentance.
Mr. Danvers endeth his book, Ed, i. with a
fmart refledion on Mr. William AHen and Mr.
Lamb for forfaking the caufe of Anabaptillry and
Separation which they had written for : And I
will end mine with a few words concerning them,
concluding with a free and faithful Admoni-
tion to Mr. Danvers^ to confider whether He or
They (hould be moft earneftly called to Repen-
tance, and raoR fpeedily pradife it.
CHAP,
(335)
CHAP. IX.
REader, having the following vindication of
Mr. uillen put into my hand, I think it not
unmeet upon chis occafion to undeceive fome who
to render his example in receding from the way
of Separation wherein he was foQietinie engaged
upon the account of Infant-baptifm, the lefs imita-
ble, and his endeavours to draw off others, the lefs
fuccefsful ; have given out that he did but turn
wiih the times for worldly ends when the King
came in. Whereas I can bear him witnefs that
that return was made by him the year before the
coming in of the King, as did fufficiently appear
to me both by Letters which then pafTed between
him and my felf about that atfair , and alfo by
his book called >4 RetraElation of Separation^ pub-
lifhed by him that fame year. Which Book I
would entreat the fober Reader to get and lend
to fome of the feparating mind ; they will find no
temporizing or formahty in it , but a fpirit of
Chrillian love and peace. And if the reafons in
that Book and in his pcrfwajive to peace and uni^
ty (ince publifhcd, be fuch as none of the Sepa-
ratifts can confute or fland before, they will have
no reafon to impute the Authors change to car-
nal reafon or worldly interell. I queftion not but
experience after trial, which is wont to make teach-
able men wifer, put him tjpon reviewing the grounds
of his pradice, and fo had a great hand in that ai-
re ration which he made. And I would have thofe
who
C334)
who account it a difparageraent to a man to alter
liis Judgement at any time, to tell us at what age
we come under that law, when we muft grow no
wifer nor no better.
And what I fay of Mr. Aliens alteration of his
judgement,! muft fay alfo of Mr.I/^w^j^whom thofe
that eafily judge before they know , have accufed
alfo as turning with the times, when as on my
knowledge his change was in 1658. or the begin-
ning of 1659. For by letters I did foUicite him
to that alteration and received his anfwers, fooner
than I knew of Mr. Aliens change : And I per-
ceive that Mr. Lambs words and example arc
flighted by very many , upon two accufations ,
I. That he is run into the other extream of over-
much conformity: 2. That he is over hot. As
to the firft, my diftancc maketh me a ftranger to
his mind and practice. But as long as he con-
formeth not as Minifters do , but to that which
belongeth to a private man, what doth he more
than Mr. Tombes hath largely written for ? And
Mr. Nye hath written to prove it lawful to hear
Conformifts in the Parifh Churches, and for the
Magiftrates to appoint publick Teachers for the
people. 2. And as to the fecond ( not juflifying
my own earneftnefs , much lefs others which I
am not acquainted with^ to calm' the minds of
the offended I may well fay, i.That it is no
v/onder if a man that is naturally of a warm and
earneft fpirit, do (hew it mod when he thinks that
he fpeaks for God, and Truth, and the Church,
and mens Souls, 2. That it is no wonder if a
man that was drawn himfelf fo deep into the
guilt.
gullr, as to be a Teacher of an Anabaptifts Church
afid to write for them, be an earned exprefler of
his Repentance when he is recovered , and ear-
ned! y defirous to fave others from the fnares in
which he was intangled, and to do as much for
Truth, Unity and peace, as ever he did againft
It.
What follovees are Mr. Aliens own words* •
Worthy Sir J
1 Having fome intimation that you are about to
make Tome return to the Author of a late Trea-
life of Baptifm , do apprehend that if you think
fit to Print this following Paper at the end of
your Book, you may do the good office of remo-
ving a ftumbling-block , at which forae are too
apt to dafh their foot , and thereby alfo further
caution men againft being mifled by giving too
much credit to the quotation of Authors , as ma-
naged by that Treatifor.
In reading a Treatife of Baptifm of the firfl:
Edition, Penned by H,D. I obferved that in the
two laft pages of his Poftfcript, he mentions two
difcourfes that were publi 1 ed about'one and twen-
ty years ago the one by my felf and the other by
another ; and faith that both of us are gone back to
that which therein we call vpill-worpjip and Idola-
-try.
Indeed I am forry that that author fhould puc
me upon any neceility of refleAing fo much up-
or. him in vindicating my felf, as to tell the world
that
that upon this oceafion I having twice reviewed
that Book of mine, did not find io much as the
mention of either of thofe two words rvill-worpjip
er idoUtryi upon iny oceafion whacfoever. Nor
am I confcious to ray felf of ever being fo abfurd
as once to think that, to be idolatry , which he
moft untruly faith I call fo in that Book. That
caufedoubtlefs whacfoever it is, is little beholding
to fuch an Advocate as thinks to reconcile men to
it by abufing difTente'rs.
As for the alteration I have made, I gave the
world an account of the reafons and grouiids of
it, in my RetraEiation of Separations publifhed in
the year 1659. which was before the turn of
limes, and in my perjwajive to Peace and Vnity^
fmce publifhed. And if this Author could have
folidly difcovered the infufficiency of thofe rea-
Ibns and grounds to juftifie fuch an alteration and
my prefent pradice , he would have done his
caufe better fervice in my opinion, than he hath
done in his Treatife by labouring to fupport it
by a mifreprefentation of perfons and their opi-
nions. As for me, I can truly fay I have had
great fatisfadion and peace in my own mind ,
touching the alteration I have made upon thofe
grounds, not only at other times, but even then
alfo when I have been near unto death in my own
apprehenfion. Ai for the other perfon he men-
tions with me, I fuppofe he may e're long give
the world an account of that alteration he alfo is
charged with as a great fault.
WiL Men.
^537)
An Admonition to Mr. VanVers,
SIR,
YOur vehement importunity having greatfy.
injured rae, by occafioning the lofs offomc
©t my time ( who.have none to fpare ) upon this
writing, which elfe would have been needlefs-t
you muft bear with me while Idefire you, fome-
time alone, to anfvver thefe Queftions ferioufly toi-
your Confcience.
Qnefi, I. Whether the untruths In martef of
fad: which you confidently pubUfh , be not of fo!
ftupendious a magnirude, as fhould have affrighted
the Confcience of a Turk or Pagan ? When no
lefs than four whole Bodies of men are fo flafider-
cd by you, the Donatifls^ the NovatiAtu^ the Old
Bnttains^ zudths lVaUe?!feSy each containing, it'4
like many hundred thoufands : And when fo ma-
ny whole Qookj Cnot particular fentences only J
are faliified accordingly ?
2 . How great a number Vfould your untruths sipi
J)ear,were they all gathered and enumerated to you?
When in all the lines which I have examined I have!
met with fo few that are not guilty of them > , >
3. When yon accufe my Admonition to Mr©
B^l^^AiA> y and thereby fhew that you read it ^
iliould not the eviction of fourfcore undeniable
untruths, in matter of fad, have been a warning id
you to avoid the l\ke ?
Z 4->\Vh8-
(338)
4. Whether you do not more by fuch notori-
ous fcandal to difhonour your felf and all that are
fuch, and hinder your own fuccefTes, than many
writings againft you could have done ?
5. Whether you do not fcandaloufly tempt
men to juftifie the contempt of Tender Confciences^
and what is done and faid againft them by many
publick Revilers on the other extream, when your
Confcience pretending tendernefs can fwallow fuch
Camels , while it cannot endure our Infant-bief-
fings?
6. Whether men can judge it probable that
fuch voluminous notorious Forgers and Slande-
rers , have fo much more illumination than all
etJier-Chriftians, as to be meet men to call all
the Chriftian world almoftto be new Chriftned,
afnd to unchriften almoft all for about thirteen
hundred years f to leave out the controverted
time ? )
7. AVould you be believed in other things that
can deliberately, in two Editions, do thus ?
8. Is it like that God will blefs fuch unmanly
fcandals, to the Churches good? f unlefs as (in
by overruling providence may occafion good./
Are thefe likely means to propagate truth ?
9. Wha: is the matter that men that can do all
rfiis, cannot (Conform ? What durft I not juhfcribe
to, if I durft do all this?
10. Is it not a difhonour to your rebaptized
Chuirches to be fo polluted, and to have fo loofc.
or partial a difcipline, as to fuller fuch publick
fcandals as thefe : and to retain fuch a member asi
you, and not bring you to repentance or excom-;
^ . municate
(3390
munlcate you ? Have our worfl Parifli Churches
tiiany greater fcandals ?
If pride, partiality and paffion will not let your
Confcience work upon thefe things, but you will
turn them into gall inftead of repentance, atleafl;
I offer them to the Confideration of others , to
prevent or remedy their infedion.
And remember (which you have told the world
how in Print ) that you fent your Bookfeller to
me, to know what I had to fay againfl your firfl
Edition, before you publifhed the fecond •, And I
have here partly told you what ; I was not fo idle
as to anfwer your Reafons^ knowing how little
a part they are of what Mr. Tombes hath faid
more largely : And that I anfwer him at all, is
long of you , who would not let me hold my
peace. I heartily delirc your Recovery from the
unthankful error , and your Repentance for the
finful means of propagating it, and for your ini-
jury to our early Rights and blellingSo
1 3
The Third Tart :
OBSERVATIONS
M- Danvers
R- E P L Y
M'- VVILLES:
Detcding his impenitent proceeding infalfe
Accufation, in hope of his Repentance, aod
the undeceiving of others, and to warn this
Age to take more heed of the common
rin,ofHASTY RASH JUDG-
ING of things which they have
not throughly examined, partial-
ly taking them on their Lea-
ders trufl.
By Richard Baxter,
LONDON^ Printed for Nevil Simmons
and Jonathan Rooinjon, 1675.
(343)
A Premonition.
REadcr, ttiere are two ftumbling-blocks to be
taken out of thy way, which 1 had rather
have had no occafion to mention. The firft is the
Name and Authority of that very worthy and ex-
cellent man , Doft. T. 'Barlow y S. Th, Prof, in
Oxford , which Mr. D. over and over ciceth as
for his caufe. Of which till he think meet to
fpeak for himfelf I only mind thee that, i. It is
a fecret Letter to Mr. T. which they cite. 2, That
it is unlikely that he that fubfcribeth the Articles
and Liturgie of the Church of England^ is againft
Infant-baptifm, when the Art. 27. faith, The Ba^
ftifff} of Yomig Children is in any vaife to be rf-
tained in the Church as mofl agreeable with the
JnfiitHtion of Qorift.~\
1 1. There is another worthy and eximiousDo-
d:or of the fame llniverfity ( Dod:. Th, Tullie )
who having thought meet in a Latine Treatife of
Juftification to endeavonr at large fin a zeal for
Onhodoxnefs no doubt ) to confute rsy fuppofcd
errors (inmy Aphorifms about twenty two years
ago revoked -, taking no notice of the many
Treatifes fince written by me on that fubjed, but
only of a late Epiftle to Mr. ylllcns Book, ) he
hath alfo thought good to warn young men to
Z 4 t-ke
take heed that they do not rafhiy receive my
Tbeology as bringing forth novel paradoxes, be-
caufe I hold forae guilt in Children of their nea-
rer Parents fins : exclaiming [^ O cjic&s ante The^
oloj^Qj quicmque unquam fuifits \ ] It feemeth that
this Famous Learned man knew not, that this was
jiuguflins judgement ( and many another ancient
and modern Writer's, ) and that he is lefs for the
Letany than I (that fubfcribe or declare not full
aflent) who heartily pray , Remember not Lord
oHr offences ^ nor the offences of our fore-fa-
thers^ &c. This having lome refpcd to the ful>
jed of this Book , I [bought meet here *to give
you notice , that if God, will I hope in time to
give the world yet fuller fatisfadion on both thefc
iubjeds, (^ Juftification , and fecondary Original
fin ; ) Though I thought my unanfwered Difpu-
rations of Juftification , and other Treatifes ha^
fully done the firft ; And the publifhing of fome
old Papers of Original fin, I think will fully do the
other«
OB-
(345) ■
Observations
ON
M'' T>anveri Reply
TO
M^- Will s.
CHAP. L
the frightful AfpeCi of his Reply,
^f, i."]^ JB^ Y Anfwer to Mr. T(7»?^f^ and
1% /■ Mr. Danvers being written
1 ^1 1 about the fame time as my
k, ^ JL Epiftle to Mr. Wills his book,
hath fince then beew detained in the Fnnters hand,
if/hoff delay hath allowed me the fight of Mr.
Panvs^'s Reply to Mr. Wills^ and the opportu-
nity
CU6)
nity of animadverting on it, before mine is tonw
abroad. And upon my mofl impartial confide-
jfation ic reneweth the grief of my heart to think
of thefe evils which it fets before me.
5^.2. I. That the fouls of poor Chriftians (hould
be under the Temptations of fuch writings an4
teaching as here we find : Where fuch untruths
in matter of fad are ftill jollified with fuch a
face of confidence, and divulged as for God, and
for the fouls of men, that moft ignorant perfons
may be tempted to think that Modefly and Cha^
rity require them to believe, that they are real
truths, ic being a harfli unmanly thing to judge
that iuch a perfon can poffibly be fo hardened,
as to ftand fo boldly to all thefe things, which
have fuch publick hiftorical evid<ince, if they were
all downright falfhoods.
And it is a hard task for i writer to be put
to anf^er a Chriftian and a Gentleman as Mr,
Danvers doth Mr. Wiils^RepL pag, 120. \^^^ Know
•*' that hence yoit have a further difcovery of th e
*' great unfai:hfulnefs and want of confcience in
" the Author, for daring thus to abufe the world
*' with a Cheat, and that which be k^ov(fcth to be
*'a meer forgery of his dwn] And fag. 122.
" [Let it be judged whether he hath not injuri-
^' oufly belied Ofiander, belied Clnniacenfis^ beli-
" ed Peter Bruis^ belied, the truth, which by this
*' forgery he vi;ould cover and hide-, abufedthc
*' world , belied and abufed me But much
"more fear his own confcience by this piece of
,^' folly and faiiliood.3 To be thus at \_Thou Ip-
■efi J and [_ Thou Heft ~] is anunfavoury work ^
Yea
y^a !fl (o few lines to give the Lie five times
«t \c2&. But for an ignorant Reader to believe
wImE this jimhor hath done till he needs muft^
is yet far harder. Though we fay. He that will
frvear, will lie^ and therefore we hardly believe
a {wearer •, yet if a man with many hundred bloody
oaths (hould affert many particulars of publick
cognifance, we arc ready to think it inhumane
to fufped that the man is fo inhumane as thus
to fwear if fome of them were not true. Alas
for the poor Church of Chrift, that muft have
fuch fore temptations/ How Ihall theybewith-
ftood !
^.3. 2. And how fad is it that a Chriftian
man profeilmg not only Trnth and Godlinef, hut
fo much ofthefe as to be above Communion with
fuch as we , fhould ever degenerate into fuch a
thing as his prcfent writing doth dii'cover i O
what need have we to lay to heart that o^Paul^
^om. II. be not high-minded but fear /* and
to learn over and over. Jam, 3. and Chrift's
words to the Sons of Thunder, ye kriow not what
manner offpirit ye are of ?
^. 4. And alas, that ever the bitter volumi-
nous Reproaches of the zeal of the prefent age,
/hould have fuch a fcandal or flumbling block
laid in their way , to harden them in the ju-
ftification of their reproaches ! as if our Zeal
were the Caufe or Cover of fuch heinous lins :
Woe to the world bccaufc of offences, and woe
to them by whom they come !
^.5. 4. But what a tremendous warning is
this agaioft the fpirit o^unwaixnnuhk feparatto??^
or
OT true Schiffffy when the fame perfon fhall ven-
ture upon all that is here wrirten by hina , who
yec caketh our Infant Baprifcn for a meer AW-
A'ry, and the Chriftian world that hath no other
to be uncapable of the Church- Communion of
fuchas he ? Me-think this is a Pillar of Salt. I
well remfmber that one of the means of keeping
my ancient Flock in Concord, was the terror
of thefc horrid opinions and wayes which the two
or three that deferted us, fell into.
CHAP^
(34^)
CHAP. IL
/f^ impnitent falfs alU^ation, cfrvi:ngj^i
Infant Baftipn : TerruUian , (^c,
WickliE
(* i.T have before faid, tbat I hive faid fo
X much out ct' Scripcure and Anri-
quir^^, for Infanrs Church-men: berfhrp and Ba-
ptifm, to which I have yet feen no Anfw'er thai
ihould fatisfie an impaniaiman, eirher frcm Mr.
Tombes, Mr. DamerSy or any other , that I will
not lofe time and labour in* replying to their
frivolous exceptions. Arxi here I meddle diiz-
dlybut with the matter of fad, becaafe by o-
ftentation of hiflory , Mr. D. would feduce the
ignorant into the belief of grofs untruths. I be-
gan with Tertnllian^ who is his firft wi:nei^,
in his Catalogue , reprinted here in his re-
ply.
<. 2. And why have we no fatisfadory »-
fwer to the t'e things Yo. oft replyed ? i. Tiat
TertuRuins words prove that Infant-Bapcifm wis
then in cfe : And it is the matter c( fj^ rbat
we are fearching after ? 2. And doth he think
that Antichrift was before TertuSiMis time ?
5. The opinion of TertnllUn feemeth roc at a3
to be againft the Lawfulnefs of Infint Eaptifirr,
in oeneral •, but againfl the e! igiblen efs cf it fn
cafe of no apparent dinger of deach. For I have
oft proved that the judgement of tha: age, and
• feme
C350)
fome folIowHig was, that none fhould be compel-
led to be Baptized, or to Baptize their Infants,
but they ihould themfelves be chufers of the
time. For the conceit of the abfolute ne-ceffity
of Baptifm to falvation, came in arccrwards. And
when the feed of the faithful are Holy, and in
Gods Covenant or Promife, upon the Parents
Mental dedication of them to God, and foin a
flate of falvation, no wonder ii they were not
fo hafty and peremptory for the fudden Invefli"
tare into the Chriilian Church ftate, when they
look it to be but the publick folemnization of a
Covenant , really made and valid before. And as
.Naz.ianz.ene is for Infant-Baptifra (long after ^
in cafe of danger, but elfe for ilaying three or
four years , till they can fpeak : fo Tertulliari
feemeth to prefer delay for fuch conveniencies,
as he mentioneih. 4. And if Mr. D, doubt of
this, let him tell me why he faith, cunBatio uti^
lior. 5* And giveth the reafon from the incon-
venience to the Sponfors. 6. And why he alfo
perfwadeth the unmarried and young WidJowcs
to delay their Baptifm , till they are married^
or grow corroborate to continencie, left tempta-
tion carry them to fin • And maketh this cafe of the
Jike reafon with that of Infants. Did bethink thatitr
was flatly unlawful for maids znd yonng vpiddovps to
be Baptized ? or only lefsfafe^andeligtblejCxccpt in
danger of death ? The cafe is plain. 7. And whether
Jie like his other reafon, JQuidfefiinat innocens m^
ta^ adreTyiifJionemfeccatorPim ? And whether TiPr-
tnEian here do not tell usthar he took thofe Infants
that were Baptized to receive thereby folemn Remif-
fionr
^350
jlion %f fin, if they had'any fin ? If he thoughi^ f^
had^one, we have little reafon to follow his opinion,
8, Whether his own words plainly (lie w not what
' I have faid of him, that it was ( as Conflantine , and
multitudes delayed Baptifm)for fear of falling after*
wards, which they thought moft dangerous [^yF^;/j
fondw tntelli^aht Bapttjmiy magis timebunt confr"
ciitioneni qnam dilationem : Fidts ititegra fecura
eft defalnte ]
And lib, (k jiniwa. Tertullian faith, Apofiohs
€X fanElificato alterutro fexufanSios procreari aitj
tarn f.v fcminu pr&Yogativa quam ex inftitntionis^
dtfciflina Omnis Anima in Adam cenfe-^^
tuKy donee in Chriflo rtcenfeatur : See the Teft
there for Infants birth holinefs.
^. 3. His renewed reproaches of <7j'/>riVi<^, as ha^
ving Ancichriftian dodrine , and his renewed
q'jeftioning whether there werd ever fuch a
Council as that at ^^r/^^^f mentioned, are things
fo audacious and grofs that they need no further
anfwer. fag* 90.
' 5^. 4. And his citation of At^ftin pag. 94*
[ that n'hkh had not hten ivftituted in
(Itincils^ &cj is nothing againfl this authority ,
or to difprove its Apoftolical tradud:ion • por
it is eafie for him to fee, i. That it was not
whether Infants fhould be Baptized that was the
queftion, but whether it fhould be done before
the eighth day ? 2. That this Council was fa
for from Inftttitting Infant Bapcifm, that it was
never brought into doubt or que (lion among them,
buttaken as the unqueftioned pradice ofihe Church.
But O that fuch as Mr. D, wtduM give over-
bo-
C350
tonpOring Anticbrift fo far /and rejoicing' an<^
hardningthePapiftsj as to make fuch ^% Cypiart.
teachers of Antichriftian doArine ^ and Antichr^l
to have been the Author of Infants Chriftening
fccfore Cyfrian and Tertnlliarjs time ? The Papifts
owe fuch advcrfaries thanks.
(• 5. Tag, 104. He boafts of forty more
againft Infant Baptifm cited by him, as not yec
humbled for hisabufe. And becaufe Mr. Wtlls,
by miftake granted him Adrian and Hincmare\
he feemeth to believe himfelf the more confi-
dently, as if they had indeed been againft Infant:
Baptifm : of which before. . .
j: i. 6. Tag. 105. He reciteth his falfe ftory of
j6m»^, of which before.
^. 7. Vag. 106. He reciteth his falfiiication
of the Bifliop of Apamea, And turneth us for
bis proofs to, fome book oft called ih^Dntch Cen-
inry Writers, and the Dutch aJUartyrologie : I
fuppofe both Novel and Ambaptifi Authors 5
And he may as weU turn us over to our , neigh'-,
hour Anahaftifts to tell us what is written m
the ancient Hiftorians and Dodors , when we
have the books therafelves before us.
. ^* 8. Tag. 106, 107. Heimpenitently repea-
teth his flander of ^F/Vj^/^j^, referring us to his profs^
p. 283, &c. Where having before fal fly told us
that he v^rote another book^ called TrialogtA be-
fidcs his Dialogues (when it is the fame book that
is called Trialogus in the M. 5. and Dialogus
in the printed Copy, as he may fee by many citations
out of the Irialogmm Bifliop Vfher, de fuccejjl
tcclef, v/hkh are all in the Dialogs )h^ tells
its
(353)
US of a great many of IVkkJifes words to other
purpofes , and cannot bring one line or word in
which he denyeth Infant- Baptifm : But only i.
The lying accufations of his adverfaries to that
end , and 2. His own words which deny two
Popifh tenents. i. That Baptifm faveth all ex
opere operato ; When he proveth contrarily (of
young and old J that where Grace concurreth, it
faveth, andelfe not. 2. That Infants unbaptized
are damned 5 which in charity he thinks is to
be denyed : And what's this againfl their Ba-
ptifm ?
^. 9. Yea Wickjtjje exprefly aflTcrteth Infant-Ba-
ptifm. Dialog, it. 4. r. 11. Iwill give the Reader
Mr. Danvers words and his together.
Mr. D. Reply^ p. 106, 107. " That mci//f<?
*' denyed Infant-Baptifm, I produced fo much
'* evidence to prove it, from pag. 283. 10289.
*' demonftrating that he not only affirmed that
^^ Believers were the only fubjeUs of Baptifm^ but
'* withal that children are not Sacramentally to
** be Baptized : and what can be more expreff
*' evidence in the cafe ?
"And Treat, ed. 2. p. 283. That Believen
" are the only fibjet} of Baptifm, as appear-;
*^ eth in his eleventh Chap, of his Trialo^m
"And p. 287. as a Lollard he denyeth Infant*
*' Baptifm.
AA'hether Mr. D. ever faw his cited book
I know not ; But judge of the mans credit by
the words ^He cites the eleventh Chap, noctel-
•ling us of which book. But it is the fourth
A a book
(354)
book where the matter is handled as follow*
ethi
WicklifFe Trialog. I. 4. Cap. 11. Et prima
*videamm abi baptifmm in Evangelio fiabihtHr :'
JVam lege Mat, itlt, quomodo Chrifins manda-
vit fuis^ Apoftolis , Ite^ docetey 3cc, et hinc Phi^
lifpHi baftiz^ans Ennuchnm j4[i. 8. friM inftrnxit
€Hm in fide et propter hanc for mam verbo*
rum Chrifti Mat nit. Ecclefia nofira adducit
fideles pro Infante qui difcretionem nan attigerat
refpondentes : et tales compatres communiter fa^
cinntj qmd filii fni quos de baptifmo elevant^
fint in Oratione domimca et fymboloinfirH^i •'
et alii qui difcretionem attigerant ^ dnm inftru-
trntur m fide Chrifii , ante fuum baptifmam
vocantHr Catechtimeni : Hoc autem facramenthm
efi tarn necejfarittm viatori , quod Chrifins dictt
Nicodemo^ J oh. 3, Nifi quts renatm fuerit
exaqnay &c. Ex tamaitaque amhoritate fidei.
Scripturji fnnt fideles generaliter baptiz^ati : et!
ordinavit ecclefia quod qu.dibet perfona fidelis-
ii. neceffitatis articnlo poterit baptiz.ari Necl
refert five immergantHr femel vel ter ; fiv^
aqU(Z fuper capita fna effUndantar -' fed facien*
dum eft fecundnm confnetudinem loci quern quis'
incolit , tarn in uno ritn legitimo quam in alio 1^
Quia certnm efi: qmd corporalis baptizatip pv^
lutio modicum valet , nifi adfit lotio mentis per*
fijiritHm fanBum^ a peccato originali vel alluU"
li* Hoc efi enim Principium tn hac fide^ quod.
qiiicunqHe rite baptiz^atus fuerit , haptifmtu dg'^
let qiiodciinque peccatum invenerit in homine ba^
ptiz^nif
(355)
ptiz.Ando, Et quia ad delationem -peccaii requi-*
ritur fatiifuBio , et non fotefi fieri futisfactio^
pro peccato nifi per mortem Chrifti^ tdeo dictt
j(ipoflolu6 Rom. 6. QuicUnque ha^tiz^ati fimiU
in Chrifio Jejlt, in mo7te ejm bapttz^ati [h-*
mm,
ALITH. Sed die rogo clarim quomodo
Chrifim qui tantum odivit figna [enfihilia , tan^
tarn necejfitatem falvationps pofuit tn hniufimodi
lotione : yidttur enim derogare divtrino liber alt-
: rati at que potent ia, quod Dens non po(fet inter-
cedere toto merito fno atque pajjlone , falvare In-
fa^iterfy vel adultum fidelem^ nifi vethla vel alio
viante baptiz^einr communiter infideli : fimiliter ,
delato Infante fidelium ad ecclcjiamy ut fecundum
Chrifli regulam baptizctur , et deficiente aqua vel
requifitis aliis , flante pia intentione totint popu-
U , interim mortno natHraliterj nuru Dei , vtde-
tur grave damnationem Infant is hujufmodi defi^
nire Jpecialitery cum nee in fans ijh^ nee pop h Ins
peccavit ut taltter damnaretur, Vbi efi ergo
rntfertcors liber alitas (^lorifli Dei , fi talts proles
fidelium propter illud quod non efi in pote flute
eomm datnnabitur, cum Dem fecundum princi-
pia Theologi(£, communia fit pronior ad pr^mian^
dum homines quam ad dammandum : et fpeciali-
ter merito et pajfione Chrifli tantum fua tentori^
a dilatante ?
Which is thus Englifhed.
And firft let Hi fee rphere Eaptifm is ftablifiied
in the Gojpel. For read Mat. 28. how Chrifl
corhmanded his jipofilesy ^0 Teach &c. And
A a 2 hence
hence Philip BapttT^ing the Eunuch, firfi infirn-
Ihd him in the Fuithy Kdi, 8. And hecaufe of
this form of Chrtfis words Mzx, 28. O^r Church
bringeth Believers atjfwering for the Infam wha
had not attained to difcretion r And fncb God-
fathers commonly make the children whom they
take from "Bapttfm^ to Hre infiritlied in the Lords
Prayer y and the (^reed. And others that had at^
tained to difcretion^ while they are infiruUed in the^
faith ofChrifl he fore their Baptifm^are called Cate-
chumeni : And tins Sacrament is fo neceffary to a vi-
aiov that Chri ft faith to Nicodemusjoh.3. Except a"
man be born again of w.iter, &c. So that hy fa.
great authority of Scripture beliefs the faithful
are generallyBaptiz.ed:And the Church hath ordain-
ed that in the point of neceffi'
^ That is of death, ty *, every faithful perfon
may be Baptized, Nor is it
material whether they be dipped once or thrice^
cr the water be poured on their heads : but it muft be
done according to the citftom of the place where
one dwclleth , as well in one as in another IaW'
ful rite : For it is certain that corporal Baptifm
er wajlji^g little availeth unlcfs there be a wafij"
*^^ ^f ^^^^ Mind by the Holy Ghofl, from Ori-
ginal or A(^Uil ftn. For this is a principle in this
belief that whoevtr is rightly Baptiz^ed ^ Baptifm
' blotreth out whatever Jin itfindeth in the man to be
BjiptiT^ed, And bee anfe fatisfaBion is neceffary to
the blotting out of fin ^ and fatisfatiion for fin
cannot be made but by the death of Chrifl:^ there^
fore faith the Apoftle, that as many of tu as are
Baptised into Chrift^ are Baptiz^cd into his death,
ALITH.
(357)
A L I T H. Bm tell me flaw Her J pray you, how
Chrifl who fo much h4teth Jenfble fgncs y h^th
fut fo great neceffity of [dhation in this w.ilhing^
For it feemeth to derogate from Gods liberality
and power ^ that God cannot by all his merit ar:d
pajjion intercede to fave an Infant or an adult he-
liver , unlefs he be Baptiz.ed by an old Woman or
fome othtr viant^ commonly an Lifdcl .%fo alfo ,
when the Infant of believers is broHght to
the QoHrch , that ((O* ) according to Chrifts Rule
he may be Baptiz^ed , and for want of water or
other reqmfttcs , the peoples piom intention
continning , he is dead in the mean time
naturally by the will of Gody it feemeth hard to
define that fuch an Infant is damned ^ (pecially
when neither the Infant nor the people have fn-
ved that he ^mild fo be damned : Where then ic
the merciful Ulerality of ChriJhGod if fiich a
child of believers Jiiallbe damned for that which
is not m their power f when God^ according to
the common Principles ef Theologie^ is proner to
reward men than to damn the-ft ^ and jpccially
when the merit and paffon of 0yrifl have fo far
Jh etc he J out their tents ^
Toilirs WuLjtffe anAvcretli, i. Tn this Chap, thai
fonie things he fpeaketh aiTertively, and fome thingi
rcputarively;,androrevieweth the cafe- And i. faith
that Chrill approveih outward fgns^ but not the
abnfe of them. That is, i. When the Hgns of tf e old
fewijh Law are kepi. 2. Ly an inmodeft cfpoL-
ting them, and preferring them before Gods De-
calogue. 3. By hunhcning the Church with
A a 3 them
(358)
them which Chrift would have free I even raqrc
than' the JfivzJJ? Church was burthened : And thus
the Religious now ( faith he ) abufe them the two
hft wayes.
And in the Twelfth Chapter he proceedeth to
anfvver the reft [_ V'tdetur rniH frobahile quod
Chriflj^atls fojfet fine lot tone hujm^ infantes ^iri-
tHaliter baptiz,are ^ et fer confequens falvare :
Unde dicitHr communiter quod triplex efi haptif-
was Ecclefi^ , viz,, bapttfmHS f^nminis , hapttfmm
fangmnis , haptifrntu fiaminiij et qmlihtt eorum
companhm fn^cit ad faUtem -— — Nee audeo
ajferere quod Inf antes occip pro Chriflo fint
damnati — Bapti]mii^ antem faminis efi bapt,
Ip. fanU:i , qni efi fimpliciter necefiarim cmli-
bet homini fi falvetur, Ideo duo baptifmi priores
pint figna antecedentia, et ex fiippofitione necef-
faria ad ifium tertium baptifmum flaminis*
Ideo abfqHc dubietate , fi ifie infenfibtlis baptif-
mpcs adfuerit, haptiz^attis eft a crimine munda-
tvu, Et fi ifie defuerit y quant am cun que adfint
priores , bapttfmm non prodefi anima ad falntem,
Ideo cHjn reEle fit infeirifibilis , o- tantpim nobis
ignotm^ videthr mihi imprndem pra^fumptio tali-*
ter falvationem hominls vel damnationem ex ba-
ytifimo definire, Repntamns tamen abfque dnbietate
flty^Quod Infantes recfte baptizati flumine^y/;/^ ba^
ftiz^ti tertio baptifmate , cum habcnt gratiam
baptifimalcm, No?i enim licet fidelibm
fupponendo baptifmnm fljiminis , baptifn^um flu^
minis omnino reUnqucre , fed neceffe efi data op-
fort an it ate ctrcHriiftanti<^ ipfum accipere, Et
cum
(359)
etim omnid qu^ eveninnt de fteceffttate eveninntt
did fotefl quod talis homo mn potefi falvari fi-
nt tali bafttfrnate. Thus Englifhed.
[]/r feemeth to me probable that Qjrift can
fftfficiently Baptiz.e Infants fpiritually without
thts wajhw^^ and by CO nfc que nee ^ can Jave them.
Whence it ts commonly jatd, that there is a three-
fold Baptifm of the Church , that u^ the Ba-
pttfm of water , the Baptifm of blood , and the
Baptifm of the Spirit : ty^nd eijcry one of them
to the meet , fhfjiceth to fahatton — Nor dare
I ajfert that the Infants Mat. 2. lulled for Chrtfi
arc damned* But the Baptifm of the fpirtt ts
the Baptifm of the Holy Ghofi^ which is /imply
necejfary to every one that he be faved. There-
fore the other two Baptifmi are antecedent fgns^
and fuppofttively necejfary to this third Baptifm
of the fpirit. Therefore without doubt where th^t
infenpble baptifm is^ the Baptiz^ed perfon is clean-
fed from his fm : and if that be wanting , let
the former be never fo much preftnty Baptifm pro-
fiteth not the foul to falvation. Seeing therefore
this is infenfible , and fo much unknown to us^
it feemeth to me imprudent prefumptionfo to defi-ne
mens jalvation^ or damnation by their Bapttfnr*
But yet we hold without doubting^ that Infants
rightly Baptiz^ed with water ^ arc B^ptiTicd with
the third Baptifm , when ( or feeing ) they have
B apt if mat grace. -For it is not lanful for
the faithful^ on fuppofition of the 'Baptifm of the
fpirit^ to cafi off the Baptifm of water^ but it is
mceffury to receive it , when the opportu?nty
A a 4. of
(36o)
cf circHmflance u offered. And feeing K>phatever
Cometh to pafsy doth\come to fafs of necejjityyip may be
fatd that fuch a one cannot be faved rvithout
fHchBaftifm. J
And to the queftion of an old woman Ba-
ptizing children in neceiHty,he faith, [^ ^\ Credimm
**' tamen qnod qudcunc^ue Vetula vet abje&a per-
^^ fona rite Uvante hominem cum verbis facra*
*' mentalibm Baftifmum fiaminis Dem complet, J
The Reader mufl: pardon the Latine to the Au-
thor or Printer , which may thus be Englifhed.
£ " But we believe that what old woman foever
"or abjed perfon rightly wafheth one with the
*' Sacramental words, God fulfilleth the Baptifm
*;*ofthe fpirif. ]
It fecmeth that whereas Tertutlian ( Mr. D,'s
fir ft witnefs ) was for Lay- mens Baptizing in c?,^^
of neceffity , but not for womens^ that Wickjiffe
was for womens alfo.
And to the next queftion , Whether Infants
unbaptiz,ed when *3apttfm could not be hady be all
damned^hz anfwereth(i:f per h^c refpondeo ad 3cc,)
that is [ " And by this I anfwer your third ob-
*' jedion , granting, that God if he will, may
''damn fuch an Infant, and do him no wrong,
*' and if he will he can fave him : And J dare
*' not define eiiher part : nor am I careful about
^' reputation , or getting evidence in the cafe ;
[^ but as a dumb man am fiient, humbly cpnfef-
'Mng ray ignorance , ufing
^ w\. If he will, ''^conditional words* -becaufe
*^i£ is not yet clear to me,
whe-
<360
'* whether fuch an Infant ftiaU be faved or damned :
^' But I know that whatever God doth in it will
*' be juft and a work of mercy, to be praifed of
*'all the faithful : And let not them like pre-
*' fumptjous fools, pour out themfelves, that of
*' their own authority, without knowledge, de-
*'fine any thing in that matter./]- ^i
" autem McU, &c. But he that faith that in this
*' cafe put , an Infant fhall be faved , as ic is
*' pious to believe, he doth fuperfluoully uncertain
" hirafelf *, more than will
** profit him. ButtHcreare '<• That is, determine
^ ' fome things in Parents pow- an uncertainty. -
*^ er though lapfed into a thi^g
'' Pafi^ for which it is neceflary by Gods juft
** judgement , that fo it fhould come to pafs :
*' Therefore he that defineth, that neither Pa-
*' rents nor people fo finned, that it fhould fo
'' come to pais, doth fpeak as a Pie on the head
*'ofhis own knowledge. But we believe it as
*' a point of faith , that nothing befalls a man
" after the firft grace, unlefs fome part of raan-
'' kind either merit or demerit, that this f jail come
" to pafs. 3
In the next (^thirteenth ) Chapter, he proceed-
cth to anfwcr the queflion [^ Quomodo aniwa tu-
linm Jnfamium fine peccato attuali dccedentiHm
pumenthr ( Having before fpoken of Infants dy-
ing unbapt;zcd unavoidably ) that is. How the
fouls of Juch Infa?Jts jhall be pHnifljed f whether
/ill equally or nnecjually ? and whether only with
she pHnijhmentof lofsy or alfoof f/if .<*] . And he
con-
r3«o
(concludeih contrary to the greater part of the PaZ
pifts, that they fhaH have both the -pttnijhment
of Lofs and Senfe^^ and (^Notethat ) that [^ Necef^
fe eft feccata origir^alia hommnm ejfe inaqualiaj^
ficHt dece denies in originaltbHs feint fr^pter ilia
in^^qualiter condemTiandi : Nam jfixta di^a omnes
condemnati fro originalibm fum condemnandi tarn
-poena damni quam poena fetifens ': fed impojjibilg
efi quod condentnentHr (zqualiter omnino illis posfnif :
ergo relinqmtHr quod peccata quibm ittas posnas
demerfiernnty indqualia fnnt dicenda. ~\ That is,
[] *' It muft needs be that the Original fins of
*^ men are unequal, as thofe that die in Original
*' fins are unequally to be condemned for them: For
** as is faid, all that are condemned for original fin
'^ are condemned both with the punifhmenc of Lof§
*'and ofSenfe ♦, But it is impoffible that they
*^ fhould be damned altogether equally with thofe
^' pains. Therefore it remaineth that the fins
*^ by which they deferved thofe punifhments be
'*^faid to be unequal J.
Reader, I have been the larger in tranfcribing
and tranflating the words of Wkkltjfe^ becaufe
an Author is not fo well underftood by a line
or two difmembred from the refl , as by whole
difcourfes : and ib that his fenfe may be paft
all controverfie : Here it is vifible that Wkkjiff'
was fo far from denying Infant-Baptifm , thac
I. He exprefly afTerteth it, 2. He never fo
much as noteth it for any controverfie, nor raaketh
any doubt or queflion about it. 3. Yeahctaketb it
to be bold prefumption for any to take upon them to
know.
know, whether an Infant that dyeth unavoidably
unbaptized be faved or nor, but only faith God
can do it if he will , and he can damn him.
4. And to thofe that fay that the Parents arc
not in the fault, nor the people , feeing they
intended his Baptifm, he faith, that many things
come to pafs for paft fins of Parents, and people,
and therefore that cannot be concluded •, and no-
thing after the firft grace cometh to pafs unme-
rited. 5. And he conciudeth that thofe of them
that are damned for original fin, are punifhed
with pain of lofs and fenfe , but unequally, ha-
ving unequal original fins. 6. But Baptifm he
afiferteth doth put away all fin in the rightly
Baptized. 7. And that when Infants are right-
ly Baptized with water, they are Baptized with
the third Baptifm having Baptifmal grace.
8. That it is according to Chrifts rule that
infants be brought to the Church to be Bapti-
zed.
And now Reader, judge what a fad cafe poor
honeft ignorant Chriftians are in, that muft have
their fouls feduced, troubled and led into Love-
killing alienations, and feparations and cenfures
of Chrifls Church, and of their particular bre-
thren , by fuch a man as this ? And whether
they that dare ufe fouls at this rare , are fo
much better than us , as to be above our com*
munion ? Nay whether thofe that lately revile
the Zeal of diflenters , as cheriibing the moil
odious crimes , be not too much fcandalized and
hardened by fuch dealings ? When a man as plea-
ding
0^4^
ding for Chrift and Baptifm dare not only prinE
fuch things , but ftand to them in a Cecond edi-
tion, and defend them by a fecond book, and Rage '
and be C^«^^^«t in revihng thofe that tell him of
his untruths ?
; ^, 10. But he hath many pretended reafons
to prove that Wickjijf was againft Infant-Baptifm,
and fome of them out of the very Chapters
which I have tranfcribed ;, ** "i. Saith he. He
^' aflened two Sacraments. 2. That believers mufl:
*' be baptized in pure water, (And what are thcfc
*^ to the purpofe ?) 3 That believers are the
^^only fthje^s of Baftifm (A grofs untruth )
" ( But he giveth you the words that prove \t
£ Idea ahjqpte duhitatione fi ifle infenfibilis ba-^
ftifmtis apterity baptiz,atm h cnmine eft mun"
datm : c-r fi ille defnerity qnantiimcHnqm ejfent
friores^ hafti[mm non ^rodeft anm(t ad falittenf},
I gave you^he words before. And did the man think
that this is any thing to his purpofe ? Wickliff faith,
[_ Water Baftifm faveth no foal' ( young or old )
without the Baptifm of the Spirit. ] Therefore
faith Mr. D. Wickliff faith , that Believers are
the only fubjetis of Baftifm, '] Will he make
the Church of his mind by fuch palpable fal/hoods
asthefe?
But he adds, [^ He faith that perfons are firft
to be Baptiz^ed with that he calls the infenftble
Baptifm^ before voater^ &c.] A^fvc. i . Utterly
falie : It is his own forgery. Wickliff {mh no
fuch thing that it mufl be firfl : Nay I doubt
he faith quite contrary as I h^ve recited. [ Ideo
dho
C3«5)
duo baftifmi friores funt ftgna Antecedemia^ c*
ex fuppojitiofje neceffaria ad iftHmtertium baptij^
wHm flaminis. 3 ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^'s man is
to be believed. 2. But though Wickliff czWti Wa-
ter-Baftifm an antecedent fign^ yet men: Protc-
ftant Writers I think hold that believers In-
fants have by virtue of Gods Covenant the Ba-
ptifm of the Spirit, ( that is, a feed or difpofiti-
on to future gracious ads if they live) ^ and that
they are in a ftate of falvation before they are
Baptized, being the children of the faithful by
them dedicated to God, by heart-confent, and
that Baptifm is but the publick folemnization of
the fame Covenant, and delivery of the blellings
by way of inveftiture. Let Mr, D, read but all
the teftimonies cited by Mr. Gataker in his book
of Baptifm, againft Dr. Wardj and Bifliop Dave*
nanty and he will fee this is no opinion proper
to the Anahaptifts : And I fcarce believe that
he can prov«: me and all Proteftants that hold
that opinion, to be therefore againft Infant-Ba-
ptifm : How then would it have proved Wick^
Itfio ?
4. He. faith that Wickliff faith that Baptifm
doth not confer y bnt only fgnifie grace given, J
Anfrv. I. And what's that to prove, that he was
againft Infant- Baptifm ? 2.And how proveth he this?
Why, Fhller ont of Cochleus faith fo.
Anfw. I. But CochleHs'\s one of the moft no-
table Lyars of all the Papifts that oppofed Luther^
and hath left his Calumnies to pofterity 1 And
muft he be believed againft Wicklijf} 2. And
Flit'
n5^)
Antler wrote but about twenty yeats ago : And
muft one of our neighbours tell us what Cochleni
faith was the opinion of WkkLijf^ when we can
read his words our felves ? 3. But (io make this
like its fellows ) even this much is untrue, ^pnlUr
tells us no fuch thing out of Cochleus , but tells
lis that Gregory charged Wickliff with eighteen
Errors • Tho, Arundel with twenty three ^ the
Council oi Con jlance with /^.'^.Tho.Wddenjis with
80. Dr. Lncke with 266. and CoMem with 303.
and then he reciteth 62.out ofWaUenJisy where the
words are. 4, And Waldenfis is known to be a falfe
accufer of him in many particulars, though a learn-
ed Papifti 5. And even this Waldenfis that faith
his worft, and fought to make the moft of his
errors, never here accufeth him as denying In-
fant-Baptifm : And would he not have done it,
had it been true?
But Mr. ^. f that by this trick which he is fa
ready at , can make Herefies and Hereticks al-
fo too eafily) tells us of a popifli Herepe^siz^
for Baptifm [^ to take away all fm^ to confer
grace , to work^regeneration and fave the fonl^
as flill held by them that teach young children
to fay J that by their Baptifm they were wade
children of God , members of Qjrifl , and Inhe-
ritors fthat is, heirs) of the Kingdom of hea-
ven. ]
Anfw. i. By this it feems the £nglijh Pro-
teftants and all the reft that take this to be true
dodrine , hold a Popifh Herefie, 2. Let the
Reader perufe Gataker againft Davcnant of Ba-
ptifp.
( 3«7 )
ptifm, and he will find almoft all the ancient
Fathers Latineand Greek of the fanie judgement :
And what a pleafure is this to the Papifts to be
told that almoft all the ancient Writers held their he-
refie ? And then indeed Where vpas out Church
and the Kingdom of Chrift before Luther ^ot rather
before thofe whom he oppofed ? 3 . It is unqueftio-
nabletrue dodrine that as Marriage-confent in pri-
vate, layeth the firft ground of Marriage rights,
which by folemn Matrimony are openly and regu-
larly delivered by inveftiture, which perfedeth the
title: even fo, the Heart-Confent orCovenanyngCof
the perfon,or parents for Infants^ doth lay the firft
ground of Chriftian right, which is folemnizedand
perfeded regularly by Baptiim, which by the way
of tradition or publick inveftiture , doth take
avpay all gnilt of fm^ Saaramentally regenerate ,
and fave^ and make us children of God, mem-
bers of Chrift and his Church, and heirs of hea-
ven , who were fo before by a Private initial
rights of which the Church did take lefs cogni-
fance ; And one would think that no Jinaba-
ftifi ftiould deny this,(called Herefie)as to the adult.
5, He next addeth from IVickJif, They are fools
And frefnmpHOHs which affirm fich Infants not to
he favedj which die without Baftifm ] fo Fuller
words it out of Cochletis»
jinfw* I. Falfc ftill : It is not out of Coch-
leui^ but Waldenfis. 2. And what's this to the
cjueftion of Infant-Baptifm ?
He adds, f And Wicklijfs own words as r. 2.
de Trialdg, Quod definentes parvules fdelium f"
nebaftifmoy^c, J
AnfvQ. Still falfe : i 1 have before tranfcri-
bed the words out of the Printed book which
arc far otherwiCe-. 2. It is not depnentes but qui
quicquam defimunt. 3. It is not of all children
dying without Baptifm^ but of thofc that conld
mt have it , being prevented by death , when it
was de fired. 4. He faith this of thofe that de-
termine that they are faved alfo, 5, And inftead
of c, 2. this is lib, 4. c.iz,
6. He faith ,[" That all truth is contained in
'^ the holy Scripture , and that which is not ori-
**ginally there , is to be accounted prophane ^
*^And that we are to admit of no fcience or
^'conclufion that is not proved by Scripture
*'teftimony, and that whoever holds thecontra-
^^ ry opinion cannot be a Chriftian but flatly the
*' Devils Champion ~\ with more fuch cited part-
*^ ly out of CochLeus by Fuller , ( falfe again )
*' and partly de Verit. Script. ] a book of Wick:
tiff's which I have not , and I conjeduri he n*-
v€r faw : For i. I told you before the very
words of Wickliffthzx. condemn only fuch abnfes
of omxvardfgns^ as (hew him to be of a contra-
ry opinion. 2. Will any fober man believe that
he damned all as no Chriftians , but Cham^
pons of the Devil J that thought that fome Conclufi-
ons Phyfical, Mathematical, Metaphyfical, Medici-
nal , Logical , ^c. may be true that are not
-proved by Scripture teftimony ? and fo that
almoft all Chriftiansin the world are no Chri-
ilians?
^, Saitb
(359:,
7- Saieh he " [^That he (lighted the Authori:y of
"General Councils, as ]FHlkr out of Cochle^
*^«i, &c.
j^r/ftv. r. Falfe again as to the Author. 2. But
vvhK is that to Infant-baptifm ?
But his dired proof is out of Waldenfis faying
that \Vic'4'jj im\\ that children arc not ftcra^
mentally to be baftiz^ed.
zy^nfw. I. Wxdi'^tnoiWaldenfis at haad , but
have little caufe to believe Mr. D, 2. And Fnl-
ler who undertakeih to recite Waldenfis charge ,
haih not a word of any fuch fenfe. 3, Tf bitter
Papifts fo accufe him, is it therefore true ? Judge
by his own words. Indeed Wickjif held that y^-
cramental haptifm faveth none (young or old J
without the baptifm of, the fpirit ; and that it
may be feparated from it : And hence was the
Papifts noife againft him.
8. Saithhe *'f As a further argument that he
'' denied Infant-baptifm, may appear, becaufe he
"did fo vehemently impugn Confirmation, d-c.
ji^ifw. li Here we have Fuller out ofCochle^
m falfly again. 2. Are all Proteftants againft Ir=»
fant-baptifm , that are againft the Popifh Sacra-
ment of Confirmation ? What a prover is this
man? Is DalUm that hath written fo large a difpa-
tacion of Confirmation, an Anabapcift ? And the
Englifh Nonconformifts too? 3. But in very deed,
Mr. D.*s fallhood and Wickjiffs opinion for In-
fant-baptifm, may very probably be gathered from
that (not fifteenth as he, but J fourteenth Chapt,
of Confirmation : For, i. He rcprehendeth the
B b BiOiois
Ct.
a
(370)
Biihops f ;r adding fo many Ceremonies to In-*
fanc-bapdroi, never blan:iing theif bapiiim it fdL
2. He aigiieth againfl coriiirniing children, as
luprrfluous, becaure the fpiric is given in bapciToi
it fth \^& corifirmatHr ex hoc qmdbaftiz^Mos no-
ft/ OS dicimm rcgaUnter Spirit urn San^nm acci-
fere to ipfo qno legitime baftiz^anti^r , that is ^
And it is hence confirmed , in that we fay that
our bapdzid ones do regularly receive the Holy
Ghoil , in that (ox by that very thing) that
*" they are lawfully baptized. ~| And he had before
fa id thar ihey are ofrcrcd to Eaptifm in the Church
according to Chrifis RyJe»
0* II. Af:er ail this Mr* D. addeth Wicklfs
opinions againft Popery to the nun"iber of 29.
But w'nat all this is tojh# cafe of Infanr-baptifm,
what man bcfides himfelfcan tell? But let me
tell hirn that I would not have him too eafily be-
lieve bitter adverfary Papius, left he forfeit the
little relids of his o^vn credit : And that it is
hot like that V/kkiiff ^^3,s againft enjoyning the
Lords-Prayer as he citeth : Yea , I would not
have Mr, D. come fo near the Papifts yet as
Wickliff <^'A, How doth he like fuch words gs
thefefTrialog. li. 4. c. 22. {o\,i 'i^'^. Et t dis efl tri-
flexEcclefia • Ecclsfiafcilicet Aiditans^ DormUnSy
C^ Triiiwfhans Ecclefia Dormkns eftpra-
defiinati, in Piirgatorio patientes^ that is y
" There is fuch a threefold Church ; The mili-
" tant Churth, the deeping Church, the trium-
*' phant Church : The i]ee[*ing Church is
*^ the Predeilinatc fuffering in Purgatory. 3
And
AnJ lib*2iC, 10. fee what he faith of Angels
and adoration of them. And c, ii, of Angels
o.fices , and iheir being virtually every where.
And what he hkh of Kings, and Mairinriony
(^(jHod excedit aliaSacrame?jfa^ ac.J li.4. c. 19,
20. fol. 1 3.1, 133. Nor would I fay thac orr^nia cjha
eveni^nt de rieccffitute evc/Hnnt ^ as fol. 120. a.
Or ihat Deti^ poteji ejfc j4fhim fi vcltt^nt fol.po. b.
One of the worft things I like in IVtckJijf is ,
that he plungtih himfeif into the deepefl School-
fubtihies, or di(Viculties, with kfs fub:ilty or di-
ligence than the cafe requireih, and than School-
men ufe. And indeed 1 like not divers of his
conclufions^ as lib. 2. c. 14. fol. 41. [^Onod Dc-
iu fiecejfitat creatnrus firignLts a^ivas ad o^aemli-
bet aBam fnnm : J It is fuppofed that Hohbs by the
fame Dodrine overchroweth a'l the Chriftian faith :
And I believe that his dod:rine there /t//. 41. and
elfewhere, for merit, avA ^how tempor ale /ic c^utfy
fr^dejimationis atertm^ will d.fpleafe fume. And
his diftindiion oi" Mortal and Venial fin, as //. 3.
c, 5. fol. 52. And that he makcth fmal irr}fcni'
fence the fin againfi ths Holy Ghofl •, And that
none can know what fm is mortal in tts ^ and
what not ? And cap. 6. Concedi potcfi quod mitl-
ti pr^fciti pint in gratia fecundiim prxfentem //<-
fiitiam : It may he granted that many reprobates
tire in ( a fta^.e of ) Grace , according to their
prefent righteoufnep — : Pr^fciti ant em ?inn-
qHam funt in gratia finalis perfeverantttz : The
Reprobate are never in the grace of final perfe-
verance* So that he held that prefent true grace
Bb 2 was
( 572 )
Was loft by fome , as u4ufiin 6^\di , which he ex-
plaineth* cap. 7. And cap. 8. again he is at his
Omnia eveniunt neceffitate ahfoluta reviewing
what he had (aid , and concludeth that [| no man
can do better than he doth ^ but he could if God
would ] and denieth not fin to be hereby necelli-
tated, &c,
^.12. Pag, 115. He again impenitently re-
neweth his flander of BerengariiHj as being againft
Infant-baptifm : Concerning whom faith Vjloer
de fnccef, Ecclef. cap. 7* p. 207. '' [^ Author
*' Aoiortim , &c. The Author of the Ads of
" Brnno f found in the Library of the Noble Ba-
'*ron Carevff of Clopton) who faith he was at
^' this examination, faith, that they ffome of ^^-
^^rengarim followers J faid that baptifm profi-
*^ ted not children to faIv^ion,as alfo Deodvinm Lc-
*' odienfis firft from common fame, and then Gmt^
*' mnndm Arch, Averfanui on the credit of Leodi^
^' enfis report that Bruno Andegavenjis ^ Beren-
" gariw Tiironenfis ^ qnantum in ipfis erat ha-^
^'' ftifmum farvulorum evert ijfe^ did as much as
*' in them lay overthrow the baptifm of chil*
" dren ; But we find no charge ever brought
" 2ig2\v[^Berengarim concerning Anabaptifm, in fo
*-*' many Synods as were held againft him : Nor
*' do they feem to have denied any thing elfe ,
*' who are faid to deny that baptifm proficeth lit-
*' tie Ones to Salvation, but that Baptifm confer-
*' reth Grace ex opere operato : As gathering
" from the Apoftles words , He that planteth and
^' he that watereth is nothing , but God that gi^
*' veth
(375)
^*veth theincreare: ^^y Alanm li. i.corit. luret.
^' fiii tem^, takeiluhem as ifihey had faid [ Ba-
" ptifm hath no efficacy either on young or old ^
^^ therefore m.n are not bound to be bapii-
'^zed.]
And that this was the plain cafe is proveabic ,
in that it was juft the cafe of IVicklfff ^ind the
Wuldenfcs , who were faid to do" as much as in
them lay to caft out Infant-baptifm, becaufe they
thought that every wicked Prieft did not fandiiie
them ex of ere operato, and infallibly convey Gods
grace to the unprepared.
But his proofs are " [ i. The Magdeh. tell us
*'that Bererigarins maintained his herefies, whicli
''they fet down to be denying Tranfulftan-
*' tiation, and Baptifm to little ones, under five
"heads, which Lanfrank^ Arch-Bi.lop of Can-
" terbiiry anfwers at large in his book called
^' SctmilUris : and as to that of denying Infant-
*' baptifm he anfwers by faying, he doth thereby
*' oppofe the general Dodrine and univerfal Con-
*' fent of the Church.
Anfvc. I. I have not the Maideb. at hand, but
he hath little to do that will ask Illyricus^ andC?^/-
liu dS{A Amfdorpiu what Lanfrm\ writeth , if he
have his book before him. Thepublifher ofL^w-
frankj book againft Berengartiu giveth us notice
of no other, Trithemim de fcript, Ecclef, knew
of no other but this, which is in Bihl. Pdtr, Toir,
6. p, 190. And I have lookt over every line of it
( fuch labour dothefe men put us toj and I find
not one word where any fuch thing is mentioned
B b 3 by
f374)
by LAnfrank.: but only his accufations'of Jfr,
aboui Tranfubdantiation : He never once cIiargciN
him as denying Infant-baptifm, nor mentioneth in^
See, Reader, -into whac hands the poor feduced
ones are fallen.
<<. 15. His fecond proof is "this, ^^C^jl/^??^/"^ in
" his Epiftle to the Duke of Cleve faith , that
^' GuitmMnd Biihop of Averfe doih aifirm thaic
^^ he did deny baptifm to Little Ones, c^c,
Ajif\v» t. Caffander in neither of his Epiftles
to the Diike of Cleve mentioneth any fuch mat-
ter. But in his Preface to his Book for Infant-
baptifm to the Duke oi Cleve ^ he faith that G'///>-
7f:iwd faith [^ Oitod inter cateros erroreSj farvHlo-
rum baptiffmm evertent^ qncm tamen err or em in
fiihVxum non produjiit^ cjuod earn bUjfhemiani ut
Gititm» loquitHr , ne feffiworum qmdem homitium
aures toleraturds fiiret\^ c^* in Scriptkris facris
locum ejus erroris tiiendi penitus non vtderet, ~]
Mark here Reader , i. Berengarius is not faid.
to deny Infint-bapttfm, but to overturn it, (that
is, by feme confequence it's like. ) 2. He did net
fublijl) chis his opinion , but held it unpublifhed :
And how then did Guitmund know it? 3, Was
Berengarius as honed or as ftout a man as he is
fuppofed, and yec when Infants were daily bapti-
2cd, would never fp-ak out his thoughts of the
evil of it ? 4. Either he baptized Infants himfelf,
or not. If hedii, was he againfl it then ? What
a Knave do chey make him that fofay ? If not,
^! is opinion muft needs be publifhed by his pra-
QiKt^ when ^hcy whofe ears could not tolerate ir,
' ■ • would
( 375)
wonlJ lefs tolerate the rcfufing of rheir Chil-
drens Chriftning. 5. Was that an honeft man
that would kcrcily hold an opinion \^hich he
knew he had no .Scripiure lor > 6. Note that
even Caffandcr there tells us, ihac indeed the Wnt-
denfes though agreeing much with the Catharifisy
did yet boih approve and i]1e Infanr-baprifm,
f, Cji. and that this error ilepc till his age when
StQrk, and MuhtJ^er rair;rd it,
0. 14. 2. But what need we ask Ca^^ndcr
what Guitwund faid ? What childiih play is this?
His own book is as common di^Cajjandtrsin Bibl,
Pair. To, 6. f. 215. And Guithutrids words are
ihefe " [[ Berer/j^arius opened thole things by
" which he might pleafe worldly me'b, that love
" always ( it they may do it unpuni fhed ) to iin :
*'to wit, deftroying as much as in him lay Law-
^ ful Marriages, and overturning Infants baptifm :
*' So that in one the Devil by his mouth perfwa-
*' drd the worft men that it was lawful ro abufe
*' all women •, and in the oiher [ Cajfato b^ptif-
mate Infant i£ in ^rofiindum omnium m^Jorumj ;«f-
■pote pofimoditm baptiz^andis^ imfnne mere : Lege
Epift, Leodienfis Epifbopi contra Berengar, ad
Henr, Reg, Franc. & eifdem pene verhii eadem
jpfa ibi fcrtpta repertes ] that is , " [^ making void
*"' the baptifm oi Infancie, they might ruHi unpu-
'' nillied into the depth of all evils , as being af-
**terward to be baptized. Read the Epiflle of
*' the Bilhop of Liege tor/. H. of France againil
'* BerengartHs, and there you (hall find thefefame
" things written, almoft in the fame words. J
B b 4 Ani
(37^)
And now, Reader, Judge further, i. Whether
this Papifl who never knew the matter himfelf,
and whofebook fheweth him a/Afy bitter kWow
profeffing to tranfcribe or take his words from the
Biftop of Liege who took it from fame , be to
be believed in his accufacions of fuch a man, when
Lanfranh^ih^i difputed with him before the Pope,
nor the Pope himfclf, nor any of the many Sy-
nods that examined him, and conftrained him to
recant, ever mention fuch a thing? Were thefe
Perfecutors think you blind or merciful herein I
2. If he be to be believed in this, why not in
the firft article , of the lawfulnefs of abufing all
women commonly? 3. Do not the very words
[^ quantum in fe^ and everterit ] and [^ caffato ha-
ftifmate'} open the cafe, that malice gathered this
as a forced confequence only of fome words of
BerengartHs /* It is like becaufe he defined a Sa-
crament to their diflike, which Lanfrank^xt'gxO'
ycth him for.
And fo fottifh a fellow was this Gaitmund that
his fellow Papifts are put todifown him for fay-
ing that their Euchariftical Hoft cannot be cor-
rupted or pucrifie , or be eaten by Mice, or any
Bruits, but only (cemeth fo to be; ib. f, 230.
/. 2,
(5. 15. His third proof is " [^ In the BibU Patr.
^^ Paris p.^^l. it is recorded that Dnrandm
*t' writes — the denying and as much as in them
*^ lay the deftroying the baptifm of Infants, ^c.
Artfvi\ I. Did this man ever fee the Books he
citeth, who citeth vag, 4.32. of the BibL Pat, as
,if
^577)
if were but one Tomb or Volume, that long ago
was tlevcn great Volumes, and now many more?
It is like ^farg, le BigMes Edit, is that he mean-
etb. The Epifllcis Tow, 3. p. 319. Qii\\t Eigne
Paris 1624. The Author, (aith V^hcr de fuccef,
EccL p, 196. is falily called Durandus^ and is
DeodutriHs or Dictwinns, His words are ^Fama
fhfrerhos Gallidc fines frAtergreffa tot am Ctrmant^
am pervaft^ ^arrqiic oTKninm no ft rum replevit an-
res , qualtter Bruno cy^ndeg^ Eptfc. item Beren^
gar ins Throncnfis - — aftrnant Corpus Dorr/i-
ni non tarn Corpus effe quam umhram cr figuram
Corporis Domint, Le^tttma conjugia deftrnantj ^
quantum in ipfs eft, baptifryjum parvulorum ever-
tant,'} This is it that Vftjer cited: i. You fee
here is nothing but a Papift Prelates tale to a
King , upon far fetcht fame, 2. Charging hinci
equally, yea more wiih deftroying marriage,
3. And faying but [^quantum in fc\\ ofbaptifm;
4. And part of the fame is that [he King had cal-
led a Council to examine thefe things • which
Council never taking notice of any fuch matter
confuteth the fame. And doth Mr. D. the great
enemy of Amichrift perfwade poor Anabaptifls to
believe fuch fellows and tales as thefe >
^, 16. In his Reply he addeth fourthly [T/;^-
anus witnefTeth that Bruno Arch- Bi ill op of Tri-
crs did perfecute Berengartus for denying Infants
baptifm, asp. 242.
Anfvs^* I. Again he tells us of Thuanus^ and
tells not where, as if we raufl: read over five vo-
lumes in folio to be able to difprove fuch a Tale-
teller
feller as tliis ? But he faith Viler faith (o de fuc^
cef, EccL pa^, 252. But all ftill is falle : my book
there hath not fuch a word. Vficrs words are
pa^. 207. and them alfo he moft h; rribly fidlih-
eth. They are but ihdt'\^BrHrfonem quoqueTre^
vtrornm Arch. Diceceft fua exfuliffe qHofdam ex
Bcrengarii Sdlatorihm qui tllms Dodri?7am in
"EbHrontbHs Aniaticis & aliis Belgii popnli' dif-
femmabant , narrat Thua^nts, ~\ That is, |_ Thna^
nm faith th.n Brmo Arch-Biihop of Trevers ex-
pelled out of his Diocefs fome of Bcnngaripts^
followers, who fowed his dodrine, ^c. ]] fo that
here is no talk of perfecuting Btrenganus ^ buc
fome of his followers, nor a word of Infanr-ba-r
ptifm. Was ever fuch a reporter as this man
before taken for a credible perfon ? I contefs I re-
member not that ever I read the like, among Pa-
piils or any other Sed.
In ThnanHs the words are found in his Epiftle
to the King before all his works, excellently dif-
fvvading him from blood , and perfection , and
there is not one fylhble of Infant- baptifm ^ but
only that v/hich Vilier cited : yet durft this man
juftiHe thefe horrid ialfhoods in a fecond Ejdition
and a Reply. ,
CHAP,
(37^)
CHAP. III.
c^/r. D.'i jHftification of his flandcr of the Wal-
dcnfes, Co-njuted rr.ore largely ,
C. J. IN his Reply/). loS.hereafiumeth tbi^Ca-
JL lumny. And hrll he recireth their Con-
fclTiun to prove it : as if he wanted matter to fill
liis Book, not having one word againft Infant-ba-
ptifm in that which is by himfelf recited : But it
iriufl be interred, it luth a roan as ih s be to be
beheved, becaufe faith is required fin the adult,
and them that Covenant for Infants ) and becaufe
Traditions and Inventions are difclaimed , and
fuch hke. Had the man dealt by the Waldenfes
but as he doth by me, when citing my words he
will prove that my vror^j are for him while I am
againft him, (as if 1 underftood not what I fay)
it had been much lefs. But to hct down the
world that the Waldenfes denied Infant-baptifm
for fuch filly reafons , is intolerable. It is not
worth the labour to iliew him how the Prote-
ftants agree with the IVuldenfes in all the points
where he feigneth a difagreement, p. 112.
^. 2. Yet doth the man break out into admi-
ration that he having with exactnefs given a
fartimliir account of all thofe Confejfwns veord
for
for v»ordy a^id proved by amfle demon flra-
tions y I, That none of them vccre extant till the
fixteenth Cemnry^ dec,
Anfw. Wonderful I That fuch a man fhould
talk of exacinefs and demonfiration. Slay Reader
a little, and teil me whether it call not for ihame
and tears that one fuch Book fhould be written
by a Chriftian ? Much more that this calumny
fhould be thus over and over audacioufly jufli-
<. 3, In Roger Wendover (our chiefeft ancient
Chronicler, and one that he oft citeth himfclf,
and therefore fhould have read ) In Hen, 2. foL
319. h» You have a Confeilion of the Tholoujians
called Boni homines in which are thefe words
*' ^Credimu^ etiam quod non falvatnr qau , nifi
^^ qui haptiz.atHr •, Ct* farvhlos falvari per ba-
" pttfma, ]] That is, [_ We believe alfo that none
*' is faved but he that is baptized , and that little
* ^ children are faved by baptifm ]] ( For we find
that it was the denial of the iaving virtue of
wicked Priefts baptifm ( to young or old ) as
working ex opere operato^ which occafioned their
accufations : ) would you have a fuller proof?
Vfier de fncccf,Eccl,c,6. p, 155, &c, giveth
us the Catalogue of their opinions as reported
by zy^neas Sylvim ( after Pope Fins the fe-
cond ) where there is fomewhat of theirs againft
Confirmation , Chrifm, Extream Undion , c^c,
but not a word againfl Infant- baptifm ^ adding
the confent of Jacob, Picolomin, Anton. Bon-
fin, Bern, Lntz^erthiirg. Another Catalogue he
giveth out of the Magdeh, hifl. Centur, 12. c. 8.
coL 1206, 1207. as taken ouc of an old ^JU.S.
where is not a word againft Infant-baptifm : Yea
rcciteth Wt II, Reynolds 2i bitter Papifts Catalogue,
where there is no fuch thing: Yea, mentioneth
nine points more in which Parfons, Sandnj^Coc-
ciM lay they differ from us , but none of this*
And fag» 242. r. 8. he tells you of Gretfers own
confelTion that they were none but the IValder/fes,
that Hoveden fpeaketh of, that made the fore-
faid Confellion, though accufed of Artanifm. See
more teftimoniesof many others, fag. 306, 507,
308.
Thuams ( falfly cited by him as before of Be- ^
rsngarius) lib, 6. an. 2550. reciteth their opini-
ons, }ag, 185, 186. not mentioning a word of
this ^ nay , telling us that fome falfhoods were
reported of them , doth not fo much as number
this among the fidions. And fag, 188. he tells
you of an inquiry made into their Original and
Dodrine by Gul, Bell. Langaiis^ commanded by
Authority thereto, wherein no fuch thing is men-
tioned of them, but their avoiding Popifh fuper-
flitions.
In the firft Confeflion recited by Terin ( p. 60.)
they own baptifm, but fay not a word againft In-
fant-baptifm,
The fame is true of the fecond Confeflion re-
cited by him, p. 62,63.
In the end of Perin you have their Catechifm,
and the fumm of their Dodrine out of feveral
of their old Books 5 and therein not a word againft
In-
(382)
lofant-haptifm , but exprcfly they afTert it : Caf"^
i. p.41,42,43. in their Dodrine of the Sacra-
ments 5 they fuy '^L -^"d for this caufe we pre-
••' fent our Children in bapcifm ; which they ought
*'to ^0 ^ to whom the children are neareft, as
*' their Parents, and they to whom God hathgi-
^^ ven this charity, 3 Jutl: as WickUff* Judge
now of this mans words ?
^, 4. " But his fecond Demonftratiori is from
"the witnefs born againfl it by fome of iheir
" moft eminent leading men, viz,, Berengarins ^
*' Peter 3rHlSy HenricHs Arnoldns
A^ifvo, Beren^arim is not ufed to be reckoned
as one of the IValdenfes , but if you will fo calt
him, I have confuted the (lander of him be-
fore.
His proof againd Bmli is Peter Clunincenfis^
of whom I have faid enough to Mr, Tombes which
I will not recite.
c. 5. It is true that fome Papifls do raile at
the Walde-fifes with abominable calumnies , as
guilty of the mod odious herefies, [] denying the
refurredion, and the falvationof Infants, aflerting
the cottimoji ufe 6f women, and abundance fuch .• J
Infomuch that it is become a hardqueftion whether
really there were any fuch people, or whether all
were llanders : and among other things they
charge them with denying Infanc-baptifm. And
the Authors go fo much on fame , and (liew fo
much falfhood, that many think that all are fidi-
ons. But Bi(hop Vjlier ( de fnccef. EccL ) and
fome others bring many teftimonies to prove that
in that age tliere were abundacce of Aianlchtts
that came mo/ LomharMe ^ and Irom thence came
into I he country of the Waldenfts ; and that for
their fakes the Papiils accufed the Waldenfes of
all thefe villanies and herelies with Anabaptiiim, as
ii they had been all of a mind. And though I
confefs that the horrid h'es of abundance of Pa-
pills of Luther 5 Calvin , ZmngUm and Other
iiich, and fome experiments in this age, have gi-
ven men occafion to qutftion whether all were
not meer forgeries, and that nothing is to be be-
lieved that they faid of thofe times ; yet I am
ready to think that there were fome fuch per-
fons as they defcribe that were againft the Re-
furrcdion, and for comm.on undeannefs, and de-
nied Infants falvation and baptifm, even fuch J^<^
nichees and Arrians as afcrefaid : Not that I think
it any whit ftrange that fame among fuch world-
ly pcrfccurors fliould belie others as much as this
comes to ; bur bccaufe of the hif^orical reports of
fuch Manichecs recited by Vjher ubi fnp, fag^
225, 226j &:c. caf, 8. & Vtgnier Hifi, Ecclef.
an, 1023. And that they falily took thtWaUen-
fes to have been of the Manichees mind , as li-
ving among them , h all the cloak that any rea-
fonable charity can afi-ord to thofe old ones that
faifly accufed them : And to the later ilanderers
( Cohjfordiis, Crerfer y 6ic.) this will be no cloak,
niuch lefs to Mr. Danvers if in his zeal for his
Sed and way, he will own the (landers of blinded
Papifts, when he crieth them down himfelf, and
lath had time and means to know their calumni-
ation. To
C3S4)
To all this, let the Reader add but the peru-
fal of the grofs contradidions of their accufers
againft each other, ( yea the fame Author as re-
ported by CoHJfardiis faying one thing , and as
publifhed by Gretfer faying the contrary, I mean
KayneriHs, ) And let him confider of the tefti-
mony of Vignier concerning an old Copy of their
Dodrine Hiewed to the great .and excellent Chan-
cellour of France^ Aiich, Hofpitalius , wholly
agreeing with the dodrine of the later Walden-
fesy and renouncing only the Popilh fupcrftiti-
ons : And the tcftimony of PoflinertH) that by ma-
ny old fragments and monuments which he had
feen, in the language of their Country , and by
the Ads yet kept of the Difputation between the
Bifliop of Jpamca^xnd Mr. Arnolty and by their
own Confellions which many aiTured him they
hadfeen, the old Alhigenfes dodrine ^3,% altoge-
ther conform to the Frotefiants dodrine ^ Vjher i
p. 308. (^.10. And then judge whether the charge
of Anabaptiftry, and all JUanichaan abhominati-
ons be credible.
<^.6. " But ( faith Mr, D. ) Caffander teftifiet-h
** in his Epiftle to the Duke of Cleve that Peter
*^ Brui^ and HenricHs denied baptifm to little
*^ones, affirming that only the adult (hould be
*' baptized*
Anfw. Read but Caffanders Pref. and judge
of the Credit of this mans accufations. i. Caf-
fander faith , that it was the oJ^famchees and
Prifcillianifis ( who were Gnoftickj faith ShU
fit. Ssverpti who lived in Prifcillians time )
that
^ (385)
that brought in the errors after mentioned by
him, which fwarmed in Bernards daies ^ And
that this Herefie bred them that were called
Cath,^rtfls^2L name belonging to one of the three feds
of <iJ4<(a:uchees \ but in France they were called
Albtgif/jiSy from the place, and that it was to
thefc Mankhean and Prifct/ltan errours, than
they added, the denyal of Infant-Bapiilm. 2.
He faiihj Peter Bruis^ and Henry ^ feem to have
been the chief Authors of this addition •, but in
a far differing fenle from the lacer Anabaftifts -^
For Peter and He72ry equally denyed Baptifm
and falvation to Infants, or any but adual belie-
vers. 3. And for ihe furmife of Peter and
Hetiry he taketh the word of Peter the Avbot
Qumacenfis : Co that Cdff^nder doth but what Mr.
D. doth, even report Qumacenfi , 4. And he
profcfTeth that the Wuldeftfes called Picards ,
whofe re! ids were in tJHoravia and Bohemia
to that day , [; d:d approve and ufe hj/afit^Ba-
ptffm as con[entaneGm to the G off el ]] as I beiore
cited him.
c . 7. His next proof is [ ^' Dr* Prideanx faith
"in his Lm, Councils,, that Peter Br nis and Ar*-
^^ nold of Brixia, were in tlic fecond Laterane
*' Council cenfured for the herelie of rejeding
*'Infant-Baptifmj ct-c }
Anfxv. I have feldum read an Author whofe
Proofs arc hker one another : i. Why mult
we be told what Dr. Prtdeaux faith of the
ads of an old Council, as eafiiy k/i:--^'n by us
as by him ? . 2* Reader, there is not the Icaft
G c proof
(b80
proof of any fuch matter raedled with' in that
Council : Peter Crab doth not fomuch asnanfie
that Council : Binii^.s only te41s you that the
Atts of the Council are not extant^ but that Ah^
bos Vrjpergerifts , and Otto Icrifmaenfts give us
fome account of what they did, whofe words
have not a fyllable about any fuch fubjed , but
only that they condemned the Schifmaticks
who adhered to Peter Leoy an Aattfofe. 3. But^,
how came Dr. Prideaitx fo to miitake ? Anfvs^
Thofe Papers of Dr. Prtdcaitx were pofthu-
tnous fhreds, which whether he would have own-
ed we cannot tell. But that which he faith, iff f
that there were thirty Canons lately publiflied
as that Council's, which BeiUrmine himfelf reje-
deth as falfe : And feeing I never faw that for*
gery 1 cannot fay whether any fuch thing be in
it, which Pridemx's words recite : But it muft
be from that or from nothing. And is this a
good proof for Pride anx to tell you what a for-
ged writing faith , which Crab and Bintiu and
BelLirwine ejed or take for falfe ? 4. But what
if that Council had fo accufed Brnis and Ar-
mid J are they to be believed of them ? But'
there is no fuch thing proved.
0. 8. His next proof is from Bernard^ of
whom I need to fay no more than what Caf-
fcmder^ Vfier and others have oft faid , that it
was the forefard Mdnicbean Hef eticks called Ca-
iharifis that Bernard defcribeth by the name of*
Apoftolick* And that heweht by fame (d^sLeo--
dtenfis did ) which falfly accufed the Albtgenfes^
among
( 38? )
among* them aS guilty of the fame herefies . And
that the fame Bernard accuKth thcfv,- that he
fpake of , of other heinous things -, If you be-
lieve from him that the jit'ot^enjes were guilcy
oi the one^you have the fame tcftimony that they
Were guilty of the other.
c. 9. His next proof is the report oi a late
Papift fc/ Ftcccomes ^ 1,2. c, i. Whom he alfo
after mtiicionech in his Rfply , who as truly
numbreth LHther^Calvw^ anJ Bex^a with the ad-
verfaries of Infant-Bapcifm. if fuch wicnefles be
his proof, he could not have chofen better for
his turn than him and CochLem^ and fome fuch
calumniators, of which fort I could name him
more.
^. 10. "His laft wirrtefsis. Dr. Hammond
"eonfelfcth that Peter Bruis and Henry his
*' Scholar and the Pctrobrnfiant and Henricani
*' that fprung from them oppofed Infant-Ba-
*^ ptifm. J
AnfvQ. I. Not a word of Dr. Hammonds
books is cited to prove this , but Mr. Tomhes
his Review. And muft we know of Mr»Tombes
^hat Dr. Hcimmond held ? No wonder then if
1 and the world mud: learn what I hold my felf,
and what I have written, from fuch as Mr. i).-z«-
'vers and Mr* Tomhesi And why not alfo from
all the reft that have written againft me ?
2» I think it not worth my labour to fearch
over Dr. Hammonds books to fee whether he
hath faid this or not : feeing I know that he
Was my neighbour and lived fo lately that he
Cq % h^d
(S88)
had no other means to know what thefe two
men and their followers held, than what we and
others have as well as he. You mud give us
elder proofs than this. 3. And if ir were af-
ferted by him or proved by others, it were no
proof that the Waldenfes denyed Infant-Baptifm ^
but it would only follow that Bruis and Henry
were Mamchees and not Waldenfes ^ which feem-
cth to be the mi (lake of their later accuftrs at
leaft.
<■» II. Pa^, 120. He proveth Mr. WiMs
guiUy o'iHnfaithfulmfsj warn of corifcience^ ^hea-
ting^ forgery •, and aiter, pag. 12 2. of manifold Ly-
ing. Eecaufe, i. He knoweth that Clnniacen^
fis — hath given no fuch vi>ickeda?jd falfeteftlmo^
ny^^c. And how proveth he thatf [For both Oftan-
der and the Magdeb, from whom he had it,
give an account of Fifteen particidars &:c.] Anfw,
1. Doth that prove that CUtniac. hath no more?
2, Do they f.y that thofe fifteen are all ? 3.
And doth that prove that Mr. Wills knew ity
who never faith, that he ever faw Cluniaccnps
book ? as it feems Mr. D. did nor, 4. Doth
Mr. D, himfclf know ir, of a book never read ?
See how this accufer proveth Lyes ? For my part
I have not at hand either CluniacK. or Ofirnder,
or the ^dagdeb. and will not be at the labour to
^tx. and fearch them for nothing.
<^. 12. Tag, 121. he fuith , \_He know ts that
thefe particulars he mentions^ were not charged
on Peter Bruis hut on the Aibigeo's in the foU
lowing Century by other hands than Bernard
and
(3^9)
and Cluniacenfis who were dejid long he-
fore,
^/ifw, I. Ho7; know vou another mans know-
ledge ? 2. Long before what <' Before anyluch
accufations on i\\t Aibigenfes ? Rt-ad Bernards
Serm. 66. in Ca^jt, Siith Vjher ( than whom
few men ever knew fuch matters better, or more
truly reported them J de fnccej, c. 8. f. 232.
Ber?turd Serm, 65. (^ 66. in Cant, mentioneth
their oftnions partly connn.on with the Manichees,
partly with the Orthodox, And that the Mant-
chees were before among them he before prov-
ed at large, and that they ( called (^'athari )
were by ordinary error miftaken for Waldenfes
and Leonifis, And p. 236. faith he j^ Sic c^
Apoftolic:s Bcrnardm CUreval. Cathari^ Eckc
berlHS Schnafig, Vope lie ants (juido Armor tca>i.
at que Albige?i(]hns Regordiis Regts Franc, Chrc-
yiographnSj hmrefm attiibuit quam j4poflelm frd'
dixerat — — deteflaruem r?itptiivs , (^ carnem
comedere prohibcmcm. (Which in Bernard 2iVA
Bchertus are commonly to be feen ) Qnod itt
de Manicheis in terra Albig, comn'Jorantthiis cd'
rrntti potefi , ita de toto Albig. genere diihm
falfijJirKum ejfe confiat ^ (ive cum Thiiano a Pet,
Valdo five cum Papir, Majfomo a Pet, Briiifio
eorum ort^inemplaccat repetere And p. 237,
238. he faith, A Petro Bmfio cr ejus fucceffo-
re Henrico c^iii ( Ht ex Pet. Clft77iaccnfi intelli-
gitur) per annos viginti dot}rinam fnam
diffeminamnt Albigenfinm feciam deducit P.
A-f'ijfonihSy Apoftjlicos etiam deqitthns Serm,
Cc ^ 66,
(390)
66* tn Cant, ag^it Bcrn^rdm^ ^ofdcm effe cfir^a.-
tiir'Vh ::»-:• Walacnfis cum.Fuhlicayiis,
<, 13. Pag, 123. he provech that the Wal-
denfis d;cl deny Infant-Baptifm , fr^.m the De-
crees of 1 2. feveral Princes, and Popes; For proof
,of thar. he refcrretb us to his former book. When
I look there I find as cited p. 248, &c^ his evi-
(J'^nce is as folio weth.
I ." Dr. Vjler out of the Fragments oi Jcjuit.
?'b.y P, Pithxm tells us,- that in the time of^o-
^^ ben King o\ France^ thv^y oi Aquit and Tho-
^^ lonfe, (principal places of the V/aldenfes ) did
"^ deny Bapiifm ( for fo they called denying
" Baptifm ro little ones ) c^c.
A^fiv, Mark Reader the truftinefs of this
man. I. He maketh denying Baptifm ( to fig-
nifie ) only denying it to Infants , without a
word of proof • 2, He leaveth out the deny-
ing of our Redeemer , denying Lawful Adarri-
age , and the eating of fiejijj dec, though con-
joyned, in the teftimony. 3. He feigneth this
to be faid of the Waldenfes, which is exprelly
faid in the hiPcory to be fpoken of the Mani-
cbecs ? Is not this an excellent Prover ? The
words of Pith^pu hiftory cited by t^/J^^r de fuc-
cef. p, 229. are thefe, Bmerfiffe tn Gallta M^-
nich^os^ &;c. Pith, \ Eveftigio exorti funt per
AqHitaniam Alanich^i feducentes jnadebant
ncgare haptifrf?Hm , fignum crucisy Ecclefanty Q"
^p/ftm Kedemptor.em feculi , honorem Sanciomm,
conjHgta legit ima , efikm- carniiim — fimilimo'
do. apid Thole fa^m invent i fant Manichdti^ 0*
2pf igne crcmatl funt : c^ per diver fas Occi^
dcntu pants /UlMnth^t ^ exorti—- Of the real
prcfer.ce here is noihing.
5^. 14. 2. Saith Mr. IX [ *^ Dr. Vjher 2X^0
"tells us out ot Pap. Mujjon. that 14. Cttiz^ens
'' ot Orleans, were convid: of the fume hei^efie,
'/for denying Bapcifmai grace, and the real
'' prefence, annd burnt alive, Herbert , Li(ms and
" Stephen —
A'lfxK^, Here note, i. The hiftory cited 6y
V^)tr ( 'phiiii. Floriaccnfis , rffercnte MAffan.)
faith, \_ abnegiihant jacrt bapnfrn^ oyattam J buE
not a vjord oi I^jfarits : And it was known that
the Wuldenfcs opinion was that Priefls did not
ex opere opernto give the Holy Ghoft , nor Ba-
ptifm without the HolyGhofl, fave any ( young
or old ). 2. It addeih that i\\t\j denied pardon
of fin to be received^ Aiarrtage^ rrieats -which God
created^ and fat ,
^, 15. 3. He addeth, [Dr. Oj7;fr tells us,
. Many of this Sed were about MiU-n ,
Anfw. Vfliers words are out of Chron. Her-
man. ContraCi, [ Qmfdam h^ereticoSy &c, certain
hereticks among other opinions of ill error ^ of the
Manichean Sf.^, execrating the eating of Jl Ani-
mals — were hanged— J. 1. He proveth by
this , that they were not the Waldenfes, but Aia-
nichees. 2. Not eating fleflj is charged on them.
3. But not a word there of 3aptifm of ymng
or old.
Cc 4 5^. 15*
( ?9% )
f, 15. 3. He addeth, \_9^lfeaHt o/RaduIph,
Ard. that fever at wham they called the
Manichcan SeCi denyed 'Baptifm^ &c. ]
u^k/xv. Note I, Ardcns words cited by V^-
er are, [ Tales [nut dec. Sitch are the Maniche-
^n heretickj at this time — who f^ljly Jay
they kjep the life of the Apofrles ^ f^y^'^'g that
they lie not^ nor fwear at all •, and on pretence
of ahftinence , and continence , do damn eating
fiejh and marriage : They fay that it u as hep-
noma crime to go to a Wifcj as to a Mother^
or Daughter : They damn the ■ Old Teflament ,.*
of the New^ fome they receive, and fame ,not '
and which is worfcj they predicate two Afakjrs.
of the Worldy believe thatij ad made In^vifiblcs and the
pevil vipbles. So that they fecretly adore the Devil^
who they thinkjnade their bodies* The Sacrament of
the Altar they fay ts meer bread : Bapttfm they dc^-
ny : They fay none can be faved but by their
hands : They deny the Refmre^lion of the bo-
4y.^
J. Here is not a word of Infants •, 2. They
are defcribed and called fully Manichees. 3. if
this teftimony be true , believe it : If not, truft
n not , or at leail forge not fuch words a$ aire
not here,
#. 16. He addeth, [[Pope i^<? the Ninth in his
Pecret^ to Bifbop A<^mt,2Lhout 1050. commandeth
that young children be Baptized, becaufe of ori-
ginal fin ].
Anfvp^^ I will not turn to fte whether it be
Co ; but what's this (o the purp ofe ? The Pope
bid§
bids Baptize Infants : Ergo not only tbc Mani^
chees but ihe Waldenfts dcnyed it ? I deny that
conftquence.
<-. 17. He add?, \_ ^^ Greg, 7. decreed 1070*
^' that ihofe young children vvhofe Parents
*' were abCcnt or unknown , fhould according
*' fo the Tradition of the Fathers be Baptized.]]
A^'fw. If this prove that the Waldejifcs were
againft Infant -Baptifm , it will prove that Pa-
pifts, Proteftanrs and all arc fo } what proving
is this ? Oi Bernard (next cited) we fpake before.
c. 18. His. next wimefs is, \^Ecberttis a great
DoUor againft the Cathariy &c.
A'ifvr, Note Reader, that this Great DoBor
was a Monk , and after an Abbot •, who faith
that ''the Cathartfts againft whom he wrote,
^ I. Deny and damn Marriage, 2. And ail
eating of ficfh , becaufe it comes by copulati-
on. 3. That they fay that the Devil made all
*'flcfh. 4. That they do not only fayBaptifm
^'profiteth not Infants, but more commonly
*'thoii<5h more privately, that no water Bapcifm
*^ proiiteih any one to falvation - — And
^' that Chrift was not truly born of a Virgin ,
*' nor had humane flefh , but a fhew of it , nor
*^rofe from the dead , but Teemed to die, and
'•rife. They are Manichees : They keep the
*'feaft of A^a»icheHs death : That they hold
"that mens fouls are nothing but the apoftate
^^ Spirits caft out of heaven , which by good
'' works here may procure falvation : ] If all
f bis be true, were thefe the I'Fi^/^f^r/Jr;.^ and is this
Mio
Mr. D.s praof Bihllot. Fat, To, 4. p. 2. p.
p. 19. His next proof is, [^ Erhrdrdns another
great 1. o^or^ ^'c,]
Anfw. This Erhrardiis profefTeth to confute
in the hereticks that he dealcih with, 1. That
the Law is not of faith , but is to be repro-
bate o-'C, 2. He proveth itagainft them that the
Prophets and Patriarchs are faved, 3. That
it was the true God that gave Mofes ihe Law.
5.That God made all things and that they falfly
held a Good and a Bad Mal^r of the World.
6. That children fhould be Baptized. 7. That
it is lawful to marry. 9. For the Refurredion,
and fo on. And are thckWaUenfessLud this man
10 be believed of them too?
5<. 20. Ermingendus another great Writer is
his next ptoof.
Anjw, This Ermingardus alia^ Errnengandus ^
( we pardon him the mifnaming ) writeth a-
gainft Hereticks that hold, i. That an evil God
made the World. 2. That there are two Gods,
a Good, and a Malignant. 3. That it was
not the true God that gave Aiofes the Law. 4.
That Mojts was a Magician. 5. That Marri-
age is unlawful, and fo on as the rell, even to
the denyal of the Refurredion. And about
Baptifm (C<^p. i2,fag. iz^ct^Bihi.Pat, To. 4., Part,
I. ) that Baptifm profits neither young nor old
without the impofition of their hands. \\ Is this
VL good witnefs that the Waldenfss were againfl:
Infant-Baptifm ?
Rea-
(395)
Reader, I am almofl: a: the end of his proofs
hc:re , and yet bive not patience thus to lole
precious time , .in openinig the reft ot his
abules : T!ie few remaining are hke the reft 1
Yet here he foundeth his proof of Twelve Decrees,
and endcthwiihan inlbitaticn agaipft me and c-
tbcrs.
^. 21, In his AV//)', f. 125. he adds Rel-
7ierins •, which giveth me occalion to tell the
Reader, that if he will perufe this one Author,
he will better underhand the truth of the whole
bufinefs , than by reading many confounders
that fpeak upon fame they know not whar.
This RheiKhcYHs tells us, that he v^as one of
the Arch-hereticks, and among them feventeen
years ; that is the Catharijh : He tells us up-
on his own knowledge, not only how many
forts of them there were , whom ( being then
an Inquifitor ) he calleth herecicks , but alfo
how many Churches the Catharifis had ,
and what number each Church had , and
where they were , and what every Sed:
held , as ditferent from the re^^ Whereas ma-
ny ignorant writers of ihofe times confound
them. From him we have diftinct notice that
the Adanichees and Cathayifts then held the
horrid berefies charged on the WaUenfe s ^ znd
that the Lio7nfis or T^ufcres de LugdHno
(the true Waldcnfes and yihijienfcs ) were in-
deed free from them- and abouiiror/Jj/p and Church
Government, they differed from the Pontificiariszs
the Proteftants do : But tor dodiinals (about \ rc-
defti-
deftination, Free-will , Mans Power, Venial
fm, Juftiiication , Merit, £^c ) there is no re-
gardable difference charged on them. Cap. 5.
He givcth you a Catalogue of the Leant ft s opi-
nions, of wnich twenty are againft the Papal
Government : Then he faith, they damn the Sa-
craments of the Church : And here come in
the words cited by Mr, D, Where note, i.
That he maketh them fay that \_Catechifm ts
nothing ~\ 2, Item cjuod ablntio , (^Ude datnr In-
fantihiis nthil frofit, J That the xvajlnn^ which
IS given to Infants^ profits not, ^ 3. That the
Godfathers underfland not what they jljonld an-
fwer to the Prieft, 3 4* That they rejeEi exor-
cifmes J and the bcnedi'dto?u of B^ftifif.
that a Prieft in mortal fin rnay 7iot confecrate
the Sacrament^ &c. J And let the Reader note
that the Popifn dodrine then was, tha^ all Baptized
Infants were certainly faved, becaufe Baptized,
how wicked foever the Parents , Prieft , and
Godfathers were : And that all thefe (Priefts,
Parents, and Godfathers^ were then fo often grolly
ignorant and wicked, as became thefcandalof all
good people. And note that here Reinhe-
riis faith not that they rejeiJed B^nftifm of In-
fants^ nor held it unlavpfidy but that, i. ^b-
iutiOj the outward wajhing, 2. .^<e datur^
which dc faclo was then gt^en Infants, 3. Ni-
hil profit , profits nothings plainly meaning no
more but that the children of wicked igno-
rant' Parents, prefented by Godfathers that know
^lot fo much as what to anfwer the Prieft, and
Ba-
Baptized by wicked Priefts who tell them that ex
optre oferato ihey are now cenainly in a fta:e
ot falvacion , are not faved by this wafhing ,
iinlefs they have alfo the Baptifm of the fpi-
rit , which is not this way afcertained to
them.
And accordingly they meant of Catechizing •
that is, of the Popiih Catechizing only •, And
of the other Sacr^.metits , as under the Popilh
norion of a Sacrament which giveth grace ex
opere operate. And when he faith that \_Sa'
crayncmum Conjugii damnant J he openeth the
my fiery of that accufacion. i . They denyed Mar-
riage to be a Sacrament. 2. And he faith [D/-
centes mortaliter peccare conjitges^ fi abfqite fpe
frolts convemant, J It feems they were too ri-
gid for Challity , but not againfl: Marri-
age.
C. 22. And that this is the true meaning of
Reinherns appeareth, i. By the phrafe of the
context. 2. In that he never offcreth to con-
fute any fuch error of theirs, as the denial of
the lawfulnefsof Infants Baptifm. ::. Andfpeak-
i g Cap. 6. of the Orththevfes he further expound-
eth ail [^ Parvulis vero non prodefi nip fmrint
perfecii in [eBa, ilia ] the words before being
[^ De haptifmo dicunt^ quod nihil ^jaleat , nip
cfuantum valeam merit a haptiz.aritis, ] So that it
is not J'ttpj^dohaptifn that he accufeth them of,
but {t it Bapiifm pro/ire. h not Infants unlefs the
BattiTLC'-s ( orParenis) be good-, that is, asafore-
faid, When done by wicked Priefts to the children
of the wickcJ. ^•23,
(39S)
<fi 2^1 And for funhcr evidence , the next
Hiftoriaii added by Gretfer, ( BibL Patr. ^o. 4,
Part,2.p» 776. ) Pet, Pilichdorf feemeth oneof
the mofi learned and acquainted with what he wrore
of any other that have then written againft the
Wald€?ifeSyZx\& he refuteth their opinion of the
invalidity of Sacraments, when adminiftred by
wicked Preifts, c, 16, 17. But never faith a word
of their denying Infant-BapLifm , even when
he accurately and copioiifly in Thirty fix Chap-
ters reckons up and confutcih their differences
from the Papal Church* And can we think fuch
anaan ( and almoft all that confound them not with
the Cathariftsihxi were Manichees) would over-
look this, in fuch a perfecuting bloody time ^
when they racked every word of the poor diffen^
tg-s to make a herefie otit ?
^, 24. To Pilichdorf is added another accu-
rate confucer of their opinions , that hach not a
word of any fuch charge.
And next is added an exad: Catalogue of their
( fuppofcd ) errors to the number of Thirty fe-
ven , and not a word of this among them
all.
And next is added the Mjdiu examinandi hsi-
reticos ; And next de erornhiu Begehpirdorum ;
and have not a word of it*
Vv^hat the Panift: dodrine was you need no
better informer than Lucoa Tndenfis foregoing
{Part, I, 636. who writeth againd worfe per-
fons ( though Gretfer intitleth it againft the JU
bigefifes ) and yet chargeth them not with this J
( ^99 )
viz.. Cap. I . li. 2. r In cafe of neccffuy c^ery
Neophyte ;?7^j^f Baftiz^ed^of any Lay-man^ Jew,
Heretici^^ or Gtntile, But for the dignity of
the Sacrament it mufl be done by a PrelbyLer or
Deacon , if there be opportunity ^ and received
from any other , it is not at aH to be iterated. By
thus Sacrament ^ both Infants and adult are Rege-
mratedof Water ^ and the Spirit ^ andreceive re^
njiffion of all fnis^ with the adoption of the children
cf God,
0. 25. If all this will not clear the Waldenfes
at Mr. £).'jbarr, and if he look that we ihouid
rake notice of his Dutch A4artyrologie ^ and his
Merningw^ let him that erreth, err ftill.
CHAP.
C405)
CHAP. IV.
His Impenitence in Calumniating the Donacifts
(and NovaiiansJ reprehended,
(. I. "O^cb" ^3^' ^^ ^^^ Reply he returneth.co
JL this nororious calumny, and charging
Mr, Willes with diiingeiiuicy he tails lo his wont-
ed way of proving > i. From Sehfifltan Frank,
and Trvisk^y whom I neither have at hand, nor
am obliged to believe in telling me what the Dtf-
riatifis held , nor to believe that Mr. L\ here f^
differs from hirafelf, as truly to report ihem*
Once for all, It is ufual with Writers to charge
the Anabaptifts as following the Donatifts in Re-
baptizing, but not in denying Infant-baptifm : For
the Dunatifis baptized again both In'ants and adult*
And it is like this deceived this temerarious man.
5^,2. Next he repeateth his i^lfhoods of Crc/-
coniHS, FHlgentiiis , Vine, FiEiory which I have
(hewed to be done in great temerity.
5*^.3. Thirdly he repeateth his ftupendious ftan^
der of An^in a6 with much z^eal and fury in
many Books oppofing the Donatifts for denying Jn^
fant-haptifn-^ of which in them all (3s far as I
can find ) he haih not one fyllable, but the clear
contrary, as is proved by me.
<f. 4. Bfcaufe Eckbertus and Emericus charge
the Waldenfes herein oi conforming to the Dona*
tiils and Novatians. i » Ic was not the Waldenfes
they
f4oO
they rpake of as I proved, but the Manichean
Catharifts-, 2. Or if they confounded them ihey
wronged them-, 3. And if they fay as he report-
eth,ihey belied the Donatifis -^ and why then
Ihould I believe them } 4. But this time-robber
hath tempted me once more to perufe EckbntHS
the Abbot, and to read his Serm. 7. and 8. and
where-ever this fubjed is his theam, and 1 find
not one fyllable of any fuch matter in him of ei-
ther Donatifls or Novatians -jfuch a man have we
now to deal with.
^. The reft of his recitals are not worthy the
recital : The Anfwer before given is fufficient.
Only I fay again that his contempt of fo full a
teftimony as the Decreeof a Council at that time
\ for receiving withont rehaptiz,ifig fnch as the
Donaiifts hjftiz.ed in Infancy^ cited by C^Jfan-
tier as a cenain proof, is a proof that there i«
^vorfe than a weak judgement in faults
P4 CHAP.
(^01)
CHAP. V.
ffls renemd (^alumny of the old Brittaiiis h^^
proved.
^. I. 13 Epeating and defending Fabians fop-
JLV P^ry, he arguech that it could be no-
thing elfe in -which they are [aid to contradiEi
the yipofiolick, Catholick^ Church^ Anfw. I. If
Beda fay that Anguftine tells them that in many
things they do contrary to the Roman Cat ho lie k^
and the ApoflolicJ^Churchy doth it follow that
the three things in which he requireth their con-
currence were aH part of thofe many ? To preach
the Gofpel to the Saxons was one. Is that a
point that they differed from all the Apoftolick
Church in ? When it feeraeth to be from no
other reafon, than that they would not own the
Saxons that had conquered them , nor the Papal
power that would ufurp upon them : And on
the faitie reafon they might as. vyell refufe to ba-
ptize the Saxons children. 2. But there is no
fuch thing in the words of "Bede, as I have fhew-
td [* b^t according to the manner of the Church
€f_ Rome , cfrc, ] And who knoweth not that
the Church of Ksme , and all in its communion
ihcn called the amvrffd Ch^inb^ u fed in baptifm,
the*
(403)
^bcWhite Garment ^the tafling Milk,<indHony^anci
Cioryfme ^ as an jipoftolicat tradition or fuch as
ihey knew no original of ? Tertitfltan and £/>/-
fhaniHs alone are full witnefTes of this, if there
were no more.
5^.2. There is nothing in the jcft that I think
needeth a word more of anfwer than I before
gave. And I fear being guilty of idle words and
loft time in writing needlcfly*
Dd 2 CHAP,
C404>'
CHAP. VL
Of his venturous re fort of Eifiof Ufhers cenfitrA
of me,
IN his Reply fag. 5 1. he faith {_ I have an ho^
nourable regard to his ferfon , and due value
to hts labours J ejfecially where he has laid out him^
felf to promote pratlical holinefi ( and wherein
as J have judged his grcatefi excellency lies }
fuppofwg had he let (^ontroverftes alone^ and ad*
dided hirrfelf thereto y he would much more have
furthered the peace and union he pretends to prO"
mote : It having been^ as J have heardy a judge-
ment that Bijhop Ufher made of himy that if he
ferfifted in Polemical writings , he was like ta
prove a trouhlery rather than a promoter of peace* ]
Here, I. See how he feareth not to make re-
ports of the dead by this hear fay ? No wonder if
by this fort of men I my felf am by backbiting fo
frequently traduced, and faid to Preach and Print
that which never was in my mouth or books or
thoughts >
2. Should one ask hrm whom he heard this
from , do you think we fhould get a fatisfying
anfwer ? No <jne is here named.
3» It is poffible BifhopUj/jfr upon the coming
forth of my Aphorifms {which had many crudi-
ties, andmany quarrelled at it more than there was
caufcjmight fear any thing that looked like uilufual.
4« But I ask the Reader whether this be a pro-
bable report, when he underftandeth,
I. That I was for ferae weeks familiar with the
Bifhop , and he never fpake a fyllable to me of
fuch importance, 2. That when Dod. Kendal
and I were together with him, and our queftion
was what was jH^nflins jugement of Redemftton^
Pcrfeverance^ and fonie other things, he exprefly
averred that my AfTertion in all thofe was the
truth. 3. But I imagine this following might be
the occalion of the report. Dr. Kendai had feme
acquaintance with and intereft in the faid Arch-
Bi/hop , and he having written two difputations
againft me , I had anlwered the firft , and had
drawn up part of the anfwer to the fecond ; But
Mr. Fines and Dr. Kendal defired me to meet at
EUliop Vfhers lodging in order to the ending of
our difference. There the Bifhop motioned that
we fhould promife to write againft eachoiherno
more : which we did, and I caft by what I had
begun. But yet Dod. K. after in a Latine Trea-
tifc broke that promife (which occafioncd my
verfes in the end of my Difpute of the ObjeA of
Juftifying Faith againft Mr. Warner^ which fome
tjnderftood not. ) Now it is not unlikely that the
Bifhop might fay that if Dr. A', and 1 perfifted in
that Difpute, it would but trouble the Church.
I am fure he faid no moretome, nor fo much.
As for Mr. jD.'s judgement, I deferve not the
honour he giveth me, but indeed I think that of
moft men that I have had to deal with in that
kir^l, he is one of theunfirteft to make himfeh a
Dd 3' Judge,
(406)
Judge, who is fit to meddle with Controveyfe^
or to judge himfelf much fitter than me.. Doubt-
lefs his knowledge bath coft him much lefs time
and ftndy than mine hath done me •, And if his
advantage be in greater illumination of Cods Spi-
rit , as I ferioufly profefs to fear left I fliould
want it, for my manifold fins againft the Spirit,
and therefore have caufe moft earneflly to beg for
it ^ fo I could wiQi that he had better manifeftcd
it , than in thefe two Voluems he hath done : at
Icaft by an ordinary humane friendfhip to hiftori-
cal truth. For my part I had never more pub-
iilhedany thing in this caufe, if my fenfe of the
hurt and danger of their Separations and Divifions
of Chriftians, and deftrudion of Love and Peace,
had not moved me much more , than any great
zeal againft bare rebaptizing, in it felf confidered,
efpecially if hypothetically done»
Poft-
C407)
Poftfcript.
s
I. ^^Incc the writing of this, I have
perufed Smaragdus, Peter Ahba.s
CLuniacenfts^ and Bernard^ which
^^-^ were not before at hand. And
I (hall give you a true account of their teftimo-
nies.
I. As for Smaragdt^^ I never before read
him, but on this occafion getting his expoficion
on the Epiftles and Gofpels I find that there is
a great agreement indeed among Mr. Banvers
witnefTes, that in his citations he is flill Hke him-
felf.
j. 2. Smaragdpu on i Vet, 2. in oth Pafch,
foL 87. faith, Q Sinite farvulos venire ad mcy
taliHm enim efl regnum coelorum : Hanc cnimfan-
Ham^ fHram cfr innocentem infamiam^ -per hap-
tifmi gratiam cafia mater gignit Ecclefa ~\
'That is ]^fHfftr little children to come to me^for
cf fuch is the Kingdom of Cod ^ ^' For this ho-
Dd 4 ly
^^ ly pure and innocent Infancie , the Church
" their chaft Mother doth by the grace of Bi-
" ptifra beget.]
vV 3. And on Mar» 16. in A[cenf. fol. ici,
[[ Cum autem dicatur , Q^i vera non crediderit
coiidemnabit^r^ quid hie dtcimm de farvidis^ qni
per atatem adhnc credere mn 'valent ^ Nam de
majoribiu nulla, qnxfiio efi : In Ecclefia ergo
fahatoris per altos parvuli credmt^ ficut ex ali^
is ea qiu tills in bapttjmo remittunXHr peccata
traxerunt. "]. That is, [_ He that heluveth and is
*Bapt.iz,€d jJjall be favedy dec. But when it is faidy
"But he that believeth not (hall be condemnedy whst
fay We here to little ones who by their age are
not yet able to believe f For of the elder there
is no qmfion, 'therefore in the Church of our
Savioury little ones believe by others , as from
others they have drawn thofe fins which in Ba^
ptfm are forgiven to them^
<<, 4. A^d in fab. Pentecoft. in Ad, ig.fol^
J 03, 304. having at large opened how Cate-
fhumens were injirii^ed before 'Baptifm , and
defcribed approvedly their Ceremo-nies , of
f^f^f^jfingj breathing on the^n^ exorciz^ing^ falty the '
Creed to be recited and under food , he addeth^
[^ Quja ergo Pnrvidi^ nccdum ratione utentes,
h<f.c minime cap ere poffunt , oportet ut asm ad
imtclligihiiem (Ztatem ptrveneri7ity doceantur &
fidei facr,imcnta q^ confcifionis 7r,yftcria^ ut ve-?
raciter credant , Cr diligent i cur a cuftodiant
fonfefftonem fuar/i, Plane dixirnus ; (^uia quam^ ''
<yis vlli necdum loqui voffwnt ^ pro ilUs c^ con^
(4op)
^tentur & loqumtur e^ui tos de Uvacro fomk
fufcifiunt, Ncc mmertto : dignHm efl ut qni aliof
rum peccatis obnoxii fnnty altorum etiam confef^
fiojje, per mimfieriam haptifnjatu^ remiffionem
criginalium ferctpiant peccatornm, ~\ That is [ But
feeing little ones that have not yet the life ofreafon^
<aHrJot receive thffe things^it is meet that vphen they
€ome to age of tinder fi an ding they be taught both the
Sacraments of faith and the my fiery ofconfeffion^that
they may truly believe^ and by dtltgznt care may keep
their cofjffffion : And not andefervedly : It ts meet (^or
worthy ) that they who are obnoxiopu to {or byjothers
ftns, by others confeffion alfo jhohld by the my fiery of
B^tpttfm^ receive the pardon of original fins, \
^. 5. Yet it's true that this fame Author doth
oft call for confeffion from the adult, and per-
fwade men not to truft to meer outward bapti-
zing, as may befeen on i Cor.gSoX. 30. &c.^uih^
could reconcile ihisto Infant-Baptifm, though Mr,
D, cannot. See him further fol, 85. c, in Math.iS^
andfol.85.in I Pffi3.(^foi,84.<^fol.i9.in//rf.6o.
<<. 6. II. As to Pet. Cluniacenfts (another
Abbot near the fame time , and contemporary
with Bernard ) he is the moft plaufible of all
Mr. DJs witnefTes , as againft two men, Pet.
Bmisj and Htnry : But, i, Fol. r. Epiil, i.
he writcth Twenty years after Peters (owing his
dodlrine. 2. And though Henry lived in his
time, yet fol. 2. he faith, [_ Sed cjnia earn ita
fentire vel pr<£dicare , nondiim miht plene fdes
f^Eia efl J dtjjcro rcfponfionem quoufqae cr horum
qUA
ly«^ dicmtur indHbitatam habeant certttudinem 3
that is, ( having called Henry the heir of Peters
vpickednefs , who rather changed than mended
his Devi Hi jl J doEixine ) '' But becaufe I have not
*'yet teftimony fully credible ('or am not furc )
'** that he fo thinketh, and preacheth , I delay
*'my anfwer till 1 can have undoubted cer-^
*' taij^ty of the things reported ]. By which"
it is plain that he knew neither of them ,
but went by that fame, which commonly then
ilandered them.
^. 7. 3. And in his firft Propofal fol. 7,
( of Hojfmeifters Edit* ) he reciteth the words
fuppofed to be theirs , in which they deny as
much the Salvation as the Bapttfm of all, Jn-^
fants* Ex his domini verbis Mar, 16, aperte
tnonftrant , nullum nifi credidertt , (^ haftiz.a<»
tus fuerit , hoc eft , nifi Q^rifiianam fidem ha-
huerit ^ baptifmum perceperit , pojfe falvari :
^am non alterum horum , (ed utrumque pariter
falvat : Vnde Infantes^ licet a vobii baptiz^en^
tur , quia tamen credere , ohfiante atate^ non
fojfunt , nequaqnam falvantur, 1 So that it is
the falvation of any Infants that they principal-
ly here deny • accounting Baptifm needful to
ialvation.
^, 8. "And fol. 8. He addeth their next
*' charge that fama vUl^avit , fame reported ,
*^ that they wholly believed not Chrift^Prophets^or
"Apoflles, the Old or New Teftamenr. Sed
quia fallaci rumor urn monftro non facile affenfum
frabere debco ( waxime cum quidam vos totum
di»
C4")
iivitium CAnortem ahjectffe afprrrent , alii ^«^-
dam ex iffo vos Jiffcefiffe contentiAnt ) cuipare
vos de incertis nolo\: Where he fully confefTeth
that he knew them not^ but went by famey and
that he fufpeSied himfelf this fame to be falfe ,
calling it a Monfler , and proving it contrary to
it felfy and proFefling that he ought not to be-
lieve it : But yet left it fhould betrue, hegoeth
on ro .prove the truth of the Scriptures, as he
doth Infants falvation and Baptifm.
^. 9. Now I leave it to the Reader,among many
uncertainties, which of thefe he will believe moft
probable : i. That alJ the parties were flande-
red : 2. Or that Peter and Henry were flan-
dered by occafion of the mixed Manich^es^ or by
the vulgar lying levity or Popi/h malice. 3.
Or whether Peter and Henry were guilty as
fomc now, though the reft were not. 4. Or
whether they and the Albigenfes and Walden-
fcsy really denyed all Infants falvation and Ba-
ptifm ( their very pretended words being cited.)
5. Or whether they were (landered as to In-
fant- falvation, and not as to their Baptifm. 6.
Or whether all this rofe not from their denying
the falvation of the children of all the wicked,
as ex opere operato^ by the Baptifm of the Prieft,
and their rcfuiing to bring their own children
to be Baptized by fuch Priefts, and their telling
'the wicked at age , that their Infant-Baptifm
would not fave them. Believe which of thefe you
-find moft caufe.
<. 10. 1 11.
4
f, 10. Ill- As ioT Bernard J r. Though ci
boly man, yet his conceit that Papal unity was
ceceiTary, and that the DlfiTenters caufe dconfufion,
tranfparted him with fuch prejudice againft them,
as we have now againft the vikftScds. 2» He
was acquainted with Clmiacenfis and might be-
lieve him. 3. He took things ontruft as he did.
4* He chargeth even the lecret hereticks that
he writes againft, as holding it unlawful tofwear,
and yet lawful to forfwear , rather than reveal
their cafe : Scrm, 65. 5. And that in fccret
ihey are reported to commit filthy wickednefs,
not to be named. 6. That he heareth that fome
of them rejed Pauls writings , and; the Old
Teftament. 7. That they lived fcandaloujQy with
Women : and he talketh as if it were impofii-
ble for men and women to dwell together, and
yettobechaft. .8. Yet fheweth that he moft un-
charitably fufpeded them, faying, [ Sifidemin-
terrogeSy mhiL(^m'iftianim ^ (i convey fat ionem^ ni"
hil trrefrehenfthilius ^ d' ^^^ loquitur ^ fa^is prs^
bat : y'ldeas hominem in teflimonium fuiz fidei
frequent are Ecclefiam , honor are prefhyteros^ of-
ferre munm funm^ confejjhnem facer e ^ facra^
mentis communiicare ( and did they deny Infant-
Paftifm then f ) Q^id fdelim ? Jam quod advi-
tarn morefque jpe^at^ neminem concuttt^ neminem
circumvemt^ neminem fupergreditur , pallent ora
jeJHniis , panem non comedtt etiofpu ^ operator
znanibtii quibm vitam fuftemat : Vbi jam Vul-*
pes ^3 And what's the proof againft them, [^z-
C4I3)
fitarum demolitio teftatur vitlpem : AMistes r»-
ItClps <viriSy o- viri difmi[[is uxortb^j ad iftss
fe ^onferunt : clerici & facerdotes popnlis Ec^
clefiifque relicts intonfi ^ barbati a.pud ecs, xtp-
de t extorts & t ex trices flerumque ijiv^nti funt.
Anrton gravis demo lit io iftaf Anmn opera vulpi-
urn h^c f ] And ihe way he appoints for tlidr
purgation is to put women out of their houfes.
9. Serm. 66 » he chargcth them for being
agairtfi AdurriagCj yea that they taol^filthmefi
to be only in hanjing Wives, 10. And with for-
bidding to Marry ^ they joyned ahflaining froo
meats : and fo holding devilifh dodrine : Bm
that feme allowed Marriage only to Virgias,
but not fecond Marriages : That they abhorred
Milk yt and all that was made of it, and ali ttuc
was procreated by generation, and that (de w^
fania Manichdi,) That they held thcmfelves oa-
ly to be the Church , and derided them that
Baptized Infants 1 ( yet he himfelf writes lai-gr-
ly £p. ad Hug, de SanBo ytBorey for the fai-
vation of perfons that have faith, and die unba-
ptized through neceflity ., allcdging Ambrofey
Anflttij Cyprian ^ And concludeth Infants favel
by others faith, as they were guilty by others
fin. J II. In Epijt, ad Hildefonfmn he faitli,
o^ Henry by name, that he was an Apoftatc,
that made a trade of preaching, to live by in ne-
cedity, and what money he could get of fimple peo-
ple and women more than found him food, he fpem
in playing at dice, or other more iihhy ufes t
that after his daies applaufe by the people he was
found
found at night with whores : that he ihi^s left
every where fuch a ftink behind him, that he
could come but once to a place, naming many
Cities,
Now let the Reader judge if Bernard be
to be believed what a man this wa5 ; If not,
what his teftiraony is worth*
AS I am writing this, the Hawkers are cry-
ing under my window, lAv, Baxters Jr^
guments ft)r Believers y &c. The men that cite
Authors at this rate, cite me againft my felf,
with the like confidence : Becaufe I have prov^-
cd in my Treat, of Confirmation^ the neceflity of
perfonal Profefiion in the Adult : And Jhe that
will think that fuch dealing as this doth need an
anfwer , and that if the Adult muft make an intel-
ligent profeffion. Infants muft not be Baptized,
let him be ignorant •, for I ha^c not time to fa-
tisfiehim,
^i
T I N I S.
Infant Baptifm Aftertcd and Vin-
dicated by Scripture and Antiquity,
in Anfwer to Mn Henry VaiiVers^
with a full detcAion of his Mifre-
prefentation of Divers Councils and
Authors both Ancient and <Mo-
dern, &c. ^yO. Wills: Sold by >.
^bin/on at the Gdden Lyon in St.
i^a/^rs Church -yard.
TVNews
OpenLibrary