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

I conclude then▪ that Christ hath appointed no Baptism but what is for a visible marriage of the soul to himself (as the Protestants ordinarily confess) therefore he hath appointed no Baptism but for those that profess to take Jesus Christ for their Husband, and to give up themselves to him as his Espouse. But this is a Profession of Justifying faith. For heartily to take Christ for our Head and Husband, is true saving faith, and proper to his own Regenerate people, if any thing in the world be so. And no man can profess to be married to Christ that doth no• profess to take him for a Husband. Therefore for my part, I never intend to baptize any without profession of saving faith. As for Mr. Blake's answer that [we are oftener said here to be espoused to Christ, then married] I think that this and many hundred such passages, do need no answer: But yet I shall say, 1. Either will serve my turn. No unregenerate man is truly espoused to Christ. 2. Though the whole Church in one, be solemnly to be married to Christ at judgement, that is, presented perfect, justified and glorified; yet that particular believers are married to Christ here, I am resolved by Gods assistance to believe while I believe Isa. 54.5. Eph. 5. and many other Texts of scripture.

I conclude then▪ that Christ hath appointed no Baptism but what is for a visible marriage of the soul to himself (as the Protestants ordinarily confess) therefore he hath appointed no Baptism but for those that profess to take Jesus Christ for their Husband, and to give up themselves to him as his Espouse. But this is a Profession of Justifying faith. For heartily to take Christ for our Head and Husband, is true saving faith, and proper to his own Regenerate people, if any thing in the world be so. And no man can profess to be married to Christ that doth no• profess to take him for a Husband. Therefore for my part, I never intend to baptize any without profession of saving faith. As for Mr. Blakes answer that [we are oftener said here to be espoused to Christ, then married] I think that this and many hundred such passages, do need no answer: But yet I shall say, 1. Either will serve my turn. No unregenerate man is truly espoused to Christ. 2. Though the whole Church in one, be solemnly to be married to Christ at judgement, that is, presented perfect, justified and glorified; yet that particular believers are married to Christ here, I am resolved by Gods assistance to believe while I believe