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

§. 28. But making no question but many of them are far better men than I, and knowing my self liable to error, and knowing how much Christ in his promises layeth upon sincerity of Faith and Love more than upon ceremony; and having endeavoured to learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice; As I am far more offended at their Schism, or separation from Communion with our Churches, than at their opinion, so I will here lay down those terms on which I am persuaded good and sober men will be willing on both sides to agree and hold communion: Or on which I am sure ⟨p. 229⟩I would gladly live in brotherly love and communion with them my self.

§. 28. But making no question but many of them are far better men than I, and knowing my self lyable to error, and knowing how much Christ in his promises layeth upon sincerity of Faith and Love more than upon ceremony; and having endeavoured to learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice; As I am far more offended at their Schism, or separation from Communion with our Churches, than at their opinion, so I will here lay down those terms on which I am perswaded good and sober men will be willing on both sides to agree and hold communion: Or on which I am sure ⟨p. 229⟩I would gladly live in brotherly love and communion with them my self.

§. 29. Let the Anabaptists consent to and profess as followeth or to this sense.

[Though we judge Infant Baptism dissonant from Christs instituted order, yet finding that God hath made many promises to the seed of the faithful above others, and that Christ expressed his readiness to receive little children when they were brought to him for his blessing, and knowing that all Christian Parents should earnestly desire that their children may be the children of God through Christ, and should devote them to him, as far as is in their power, and knowing that there are difficulties about the extent of this power, and Christs promises; we do here solemnly profess, that we thankfully desire all those mercies for this child which God hath promised to such in his word; and that we heartily offer, devote and dedicate this child to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as far as he hath given us power to do it, beseeching him accordingly to accept him: And we promise faithfully to endeavour to educate him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and as we are able to persuade him when he is capable, to believe in Christ, and solemnly devote himself to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in Baptism.]