An apologetical reply to a book called an answer to the unjust complaint of…An apologeticall reply to a booke called an ansvver to the unjust complaint of…

First. That baptism is only a naked sign, ¹or note of Segregation from other sects, and profession of true doctrine, is an error which these reformed Churches have destroyed, by professing in their ⟨p. 146⟩Confession,² and Catechism that it is not only so, but also a testimony to us, and a symbol to assure us of remission of sins &c. according to the Scripture^(a): But this practise buildeth it again, whilst a naked profession of assent to the doctrine and discipline of this Church is held sufficient to warrant their baptism, though it be made, many times, by such as are not known to have any right in the Covenant, whereof baptism is a seal, or at all to pertain to Christ, but may be any of those, who were spoken of in the first Argument, for aught any man knoweth: Hence some will collect that they do not account Baptism any more then a naked sign of profession. And not only so, but it justifieth that error, as Israel justified Samaria, by establishing a worse. For this practise seemeth to make baptism not so much as a profession of true doctrine, or a note of segregation from other sects, whilst it is appointed to be administered thus promiscuously in Amsterdam (where people of so many sects inhabit) to all infants that are presented, though they make no other show of profession, then by saying, yea, or nodding the head, when they understand not what is said to them, being of a different language, and are altogether unknown to the minister and to the Church.

First. That baptisme is only a naked signe, ¹or noate of Segregation from other sects, and profession of true doctrine, is an errour which these reformed Churches have destroyed, by professing in theyr ⟨p. 146⟩Confession,² and Catechisme that it is not only so, but also a testimony to us, and a symbol to assure us of remission of sinnes &c. according to the Scripture