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

§. 23. Though Augustine be called durus pater Infantum, and be supposed for some passages by many Papists and others to damn all unbaptized persons save Martyrs, yet these following words among others, in his later times in his deliberate disputes against the Donatists, fully show his contrary judgement (which yet I believe the Interest of his cause against the Donatists was a help to in this point) And remember that he confirmeth it in his Retractations, by retracting only the instance of the thief on the cross, as uncertain whether he was baptized or not.

§. 23. Though Augustine be called durus pater Infantum, and be supposed for some passages by many Papists and others to damn all unbaptized persons save Martyrs, yet these following words among others, in his later times in his deliberate disputes against the Donatists, fully shew his contrary judgement (which yet I believe the Interest of his cause against the Donatists was a help to in this point) And remember that he confirmeth it in his Retractations, by retracting only the instance of the thief on the cross, as uncertain whether he was baptized or not.

§. 24. Aug de baptis. cont. Donat. li. 4. c. 29. [Quod etiam atque etiam considerans invenio, non tantum Passionem pro nomine Christi, id quod ex Baptismo deerat posse supplere; sed etiam Fidem conversionemque Cordis, si forte ad celebrandum mysterium baptismi in angustiis temporum succurri non potest—Et Cap. 24. Cum Ministerium baptismi non contemptus religionis sed articulus necessitatis excludit: & baptismus quidem potest inesse ubi conversio cordis defuerit: Conversio autem cordis potest quidem inesse non percepto baptismo; sed contempto non potest: neque enim ullo modo dicenda est conversio cordis ad Deum, cum Dei sacramentum contemnitur. Conversion then will save without baptism, when baptism is not contemned: It is the contempt that destroyeth, and that as it proveth men unconverted. And this he professeth to be his judgement after long and great consideration.