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

§. 14. I am persuaded that the formal Ministers, and people, who make little more use of Baptism, than to give it to Infants, and to receive it in Infancy, have been the greatest occasion of Anabaptistry among us: when the people see that all being Baptized in Infancy, many afterwards live all their days, and never understand what Baptism is, and few ever solemnly and distinctly own and renew that Covenant when they come to age, (unless coming to Church and receiving the Lords Supper with as little understanding, be a renewing it,) this tempteth serious people that understand not the matter well themselves, to think that Infant-baptism doth but pollute the Churches, by letting in those who know not what they do, and after prove profane or Infidels: And they think that it is the only way to reformation to stay till they are ready to devote themselves understandingly to God. But this is their mistake: For, 1. If it were deferred till ripeness of age, one part would neglect it and continue Infidels; and another part would do all formally, as we see they do now at the other Sacrament, where the same Covenant is to be renewed. 2. There is a better remedy.

§. 14. I am perswaded that the formal Ministers, and people, who make little more use of Baptism, than to give it to Infants, and to receive it in Infancy, have been the greatest occasion of Anabaptistry among us: when the people see that all being Baptized in Infancy, many afterwards live all their days, and never understand what Baptism is, and few ever solemnly and distinctly own and renew that Covenant when they come to age, (unless coming to Church and receiving the Lords Supper with as little understanding, be a renewing it,) this tempteth serious people that understand not the matter well themselves, to think that Infant-baptism doth but pollute the Churches, by letting in those who know not what they do, and after prove prophane or Infidels: And they think that it is the only way to reformation to stay till they are ready to devote themselves understandingly to God. But this is their mistake: For, 1. If it were deferred till ripeness of age, one part would neglect it and continue Infidels; and another part would do all formally, as we see they do now at the other Sacrament, where the same Covenant is to be renewed. 2. There is a better remedy.