More proofs of infants church-membership and consequently their right to baptism, or, A second…

3. It is evident from what is said before (and elsewhere) that it is more than a silent leave of Infants Church-membership that God hath vouchsafed us. For in the forementioned fundamental promise, explained more fully in after times, God signified his will that so it should be. It cannot be denied, but there is some hope at least given to them in the first promise, and that in the general promise to the seed of the woman they are not excluded, there be no excluding term. Upon so much encouragement and hope then it is the duty of Parents by the law of nature to enter their Infants into the Covenant, and into that society that partake of these hopes, and to list them into the Army of Christ.

3. It is evident from what is said before (and elsewhere) that it is more than a silent leave of Infants Church-membership that God hath vouchsafed us. For in the forementioned fundamental promise, explained more fully in after times, God signified his will that so it should be. It cannot be denied, but there is some hope at least given to them in the first promise, and that in the general promise to the seed of the woman they are not excluded, there be no excluding term. Ʋpon so much encouragement and hope then it is the duty of Parents by the law of nature to enter their Infants into the Covenant, and into that society that partake of these hopes, and to list them into the Army of Christ.

4. It is the duty of Parents by the Law of Nature, to accept of any allowed or offered benefit for their children. But the relation of a member of Christs Church or Army, is an allowed or offered benefit to them, Ergo, &c. For the Major, ⟨p. 111⟩these principles in the law of nature do contain it. 1. That the Infant is not sui juris, but is at his Parents dispose in all things that are for his good. That the Parents have power to oblige their children to any future duty or suffering, that is certainly to their own good: and so may enter them into Covenants accordingly: And so far the will of the Father is as it were the will of the child. 2. That it is unnaturally sinful for a Parent to refuse to do such a thing, when it is to the great benefit of his own child. As if a Prince would offer Honours, and Lordships, and Immunities to him and his heirs: if he will not accept this for his heirs, but only for himself, it is unnatural. Yea, if he will not oblige his heirs to some small and reasonable conditions for the enjoying such benefits. For the Minor, that this relation is an allowed or offered benefit to Infants is manifested already, and more shall be.