The other part of Christian questions and answers which is concerning the sacraments, writ[n]…The other parte of Christian questions and answeares which is concerning the sacraments, writte[n]…

128. Question.

But when thou sayest that the things signified in Baptism are sealed by faith only, what shall we say to be sealed in infants, who when they are baptized are not replenished with any faith in deed, and to those that are dead before they can be taught the faith?

But when thou sayest that the thinges signified in Baptisme are sealed by fayth onely, what shall wee say to be sealed in infants, who when they are baptized are not replenished with any fayth in deed, and to those that are deade before they can bee taught the fayth?

Answer. Surely we do Baptise them as though they should overlive others. Now that which I have spoken concerning faith, belongeth only unto those that are come to the years of discretion, ⟨image 93⟩& yet their baptism shall not therefore be in vain. For that shall be ratified in them, that, as I have said, the faith of the godly Parents coming between, was now bestowed upon them when they were borne, to wit, the engraftment into the covenant: and therefore the forgiveness of sin sinning, and finally the whole fruit of Baptism. To conclude that same solemn naming by the commandment of Christ, of the father the Son and the holy Ghost cannot be in vain, neither are the prayers of the Church which are conceived over him which is too be baptized in vain. But let these things be subject unto the judgement of the Church. For neither am I ignorant that it may also be said, that faith is so given unto them by power, as by power and not by act and use, they are endued with a reasonable soul. But I have showed what seemeth most probable unto me: neither doeth the diversity of opinions in this matter shake or weaken the Christian faith it self.