Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…

Argum. 1. We have the warrant of their approved Example in Scripture whom we are to eye as our Pattern in Administrations for the administering of Baptism upon a bare Verbal Profession: therefore we may so Administer it.

Argum. 1. We have the warrant of their approved Example in Scripture whom we are to eye as our Pattern in Administrations for the administring of Baptism upon a bare Verbal Profession: therefore we may so Administer it.

I here suppose the Practice of the Church before Christs Incarnation; which is out of all doubt: Moses took the Verbal profession of all Israel, to be a Covenant between God and them; wherein they avouched the Lord to be their God, and God avouched them to be his people. On the like terms did Joshua, Asa, and others renew the Covenant of God with that people; and on the same terms was circumcision administered. On these terms did John Baptize multitudes, whose lives he knew not before, and of whom he required no further Evidence than these present Professions to satisfy him of their capacity. On the same ground did Peters Converts receive their Baptism, Acts 2.41. For they baptized them suddenly, and the Scripture mentioneth no further search that was made by the Apostles after their sincerity; nor is it probable, it could be done upon three thousand souls. The same may be said of the Eunuch, Acts 8. and the Jailer, Acts 16. and other Scripture Examples. It is past question, that they then took up with a present profession, and therefore so must we. For if any will be so overwise, as to give reasons why they may swerve from these Presidents, let them consider, whether they teach not the ⟨p. 19⟩licentious a way as effectually to avoid other Examples of the Apostles, and so to destroy the order and Discipline of the Church.