The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things…

Here note 1. That there is no Controversy between the Conformists and Nonconformists, whether Christians Infants should be baptized: 2. Nor whether a Conformists baptizing be valid: 3. Nor whether the Parents presence be absolutely necessary, and another may not speak in his name: 4. Nor whether Adopters, or any Proprietors may not covenant for the Child: 5. Nor whether the old Sponsors be lawful, who 1. Witnessed the credibility of the Parent; 2. And undertook the Christian Education of the Child, if the Parents should either die or apostatize: The Nonconformists are against no such Sponsors, though they think that their Children have ⟨p. 149⟩right to Baptism without such. 6. Nor do they deny that Baptism in the Parish▪ Churches is valid and lawful as to the Parents and Godfathers, if they do but agree on the Nonconformists way, that the Sponsors shall but represent the Parents, and that they be not bound by the contrary judgment of the Authors of the Liturgy to the contrary. But the questions are 1. Whether a Christians Child, whose Parents have no way forfeited their credit, have not right to Baptism, without other Godfathers. 2. Whether the Parent should not solemnly enter his own Child into the Covenant of God (as well as in times of Circumcision.) And whether any Parent should be forbidden it, viz. to appear and speak as the Representer of the Child, or Undertaker for him, and Promiser of his Education. 3. Whether that Child must profess by another, that He Himself Believeth, Renounceth, Repenteth and Desireth Baptism: And it be not rather to be professed that he is the seed of a Believing, Penitent Parent, whose Will is as his Will, and is under God's Promise [I will he thy God, and the God of thy seed.] 4. Whether a Christian Parent may consent to the perfidious undertaking of any Godfathers, who give him not the least reason to believe that they intend that provision for the Children which they undertake: Or else may let his Child be unbaptized till he can get such a credible Undertaker; which is never like to be with most, or many. 5. Whether the Children of Heathens, or Infidels, or Atheists, have right to Baptism upon the presentation of any Godfather, who never adopteth them, or taketh them for his own, nor giveth any credible notice ⟨p. 150⟩that he really intendeth to educate those Children as pro forma he seemeth to undertake: