A41329:156
The plea of the children of believing-parents for their interest in Abraham's covenant, their…
The plea of the children of believing-parents for their interest in Abraham's covenant, their right to church-member-ship with their parents, and consequently their title to baptism. The cause of publishing this discourse after so many learned men have laboured in this province, is declared in the preface to the reader. By Giles Firmin.
London: printed for Tho. Simons, 1683
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In the Child, Circumcision left a signal Impression, saith he.
A. 1. That which you call a signal Impression, God calls his Covenant. But
2ly, Though there were a signal Impression left in the Infant, yet if when it came to years it were not taught the spiritual meaning of it, the Child would get no benefit by it.
3ly, What signal Impression is left upon those whom you baptize by Dipping, when Adult, more than upon those who are baptized by pouring of Water upon them when Infants? True, you can remember better you were dipped; but Children, tho' they have but a moral certainty from their Parents and others, and the Testimony of the Book in which they are recorded, yet being taught the meaning of it, and especially if as some Parents who compose short Prayers for their Children, put in that Petition, for the blessing of their Baptism, as some Parents do; Children may keep it in mind, and in time come to make as good use of it, as those who are dipped when Adult; and Experience I hope will prove it.